Johnny Marzetti Casserole Recipe

This Johnny Marzetti Casserole recipe is a classic pasta casserole that’s so easy to make in under an hour. With affordable ingredients, it’s a nostalgic dinner that’s great for feeding a crowd any day of the week.

I’m not sure about you, but Johnny Marzetti Casserole has a special place in my heart. This is a recipe we would have growing up in elementary school once a week. It’s a classic red sauce noodle casserole made with ground beef, but the twist is that the noodles are actually egg noodles.

Johnny Marzetti is said to originate in the Midwest, specifically Columbus, Ohio, and is a recipe that’s been around for over a century! We totally understand why because it’s so easy to make with 8 ingredients and one of my family’s favorite meals.

If you love a great casserole, especially when you need to make a meal in advance for a busy week, we are experts in those types of recipes! Be sure to also try our Beef Cobbler and Hamburger Potato Casserole.

Laura Ashley’s Tip: While using egg noodles is part of the traditional, classic Johnny Marzetti recipe, you can substitute for a regular pasta shape like penne if desired.

Why you’ll Love this Recipe

• 8-ingredient pasta casserole. Everyone always loves a pasta bake and that’s exactly what Johnny Marzetti is! The classic recipe uses egg noodles rather than traditional boxed pasta.
• Minimal cooking and equipment required. Besides just boiling the noodles and making the sauce in a skillet, the oven does all the work for you!
• Taste the Sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add sugar, brown sugar, honey or sugar substitute to your taste preference.
• Great casserole to make in advance. You can assemble the layers and bake right before dinner or guests arrive.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Full Printable Recipe Card Below

• Ground beef: The beef base for the tomato sauce of the casserole.
• Celery: One of the basic vegetables that infuses the sauce with lots of flavor.
• Onion: Adds nice onion sweetness in every bite.
• Egg noodles: Rather than pasta, egg noodles are the midwestern twist on this classic recipe.
• Tomato sauce: Makes this a classic pasta bake that’s so delicious.
• Tomato paste: Enhances the tomato flavor even more.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds nice saltiness and umami.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives that ooey, gooey quality to the pasta bake.
• Seasoning Options: You can use seasoning salt, salt and black pepper, fresh or dried garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and/or an Italian seasoning blend to season the meat sauce.

Tools You’ll Need

• 13″x9″ Baking Dish
• Large Skillet
• Stockpot
• Meat Chopper
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula
• Cheese Grater
• Chef’s Knife
• Cutting Board

How to Make Johnny Marzetti recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the egg noodles in boiling water 1 minute less than the package calls for al dente, then drain and set aside. 

3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, diced celery, and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat if needed. Season as desired. We like to add seasoning salt, garlic, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning.

4. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for about 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

5. Mix the cooked noodles into the meat sauce. Transfer everything to a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. 

6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the egg noodles! These cook much faster than regular pasta. We often like to cook them a minute less than the package instructions since they will also continue cooking in the oven.
• When using tomato paste, be sure to cook it for a minute or two until it lightly caramelizes. This will enhance it’s flavor and make the sauce even better.
• Drain any fat from the beef. We often like to use lean beef so we don’t have to drain excess fat. But if there is a lot after browning, you will want to drain it so your Johnny Marzetti casserole isn’t greasy.
• Taste the Sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add sugar, brown sugar, honey or sugar substitute to your taste preference.
• Grate your cheddar cheese by hand. This makes a huge different. Pre-shredded cheddar cheese can have a powder on it that prevents it from melting as nicely.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

You can also freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating. We like to note the egg noodles may not be the same texture after freezing, but the bake itself will still be delicious.

It’s great to make Johnny Marzetti in advance! Make the different components, allow them to cool, then layer them in the casserole dish and store covered in the fridge. Bake right before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Casserole Recipes

• Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Beef Cobbler
• No-Boil Broccoli Pasta Bake
• Chicken Cornbread Casserole