Johnny Marzetti Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
A Midwest classic, Johnny Marzetti Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with its flavorful combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this versatile dish can be prepared in either a slow cooker or oven.
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Servings: 8
Equipment
- Slow Cooker / Crockpot or Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
- 2 cups dry rotini pasta
- 3/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 pound white mushrooms washed and chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can 15-16 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15-16 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
- 1 1/2 cups shredded old Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is firm al dente, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Once browned, add the chopped onions and mushrooms. Continue to cook until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, then set it aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or the inside of the slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom. Add the cooked pasta on top, followed by a layer of the shredded Italian cheese blend. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta.
- Cook the Casserole: Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or if using a slow cooker, cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
- Add Final Cheese Layer: Once done, uncover and sprinkle the shredded old Cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Dish up the casserole while hot and enjoy!
Notes
If your slow cooker tends to run hot on the "low" setting, reduce the cooking time to 1 1/2 hours.
This recipe is ideal for days when you want a hearty meal without extensive oven use. Note that the ground beef must be cooked before adding to the slow cooker.