Johnny Marzetti has long been known as one of the most comforting casserole dishes to come out of Ohio, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than in the cool fall months leading up to Thanksgiving. This simple yet hearty meal originated in Columbus, Ohio, in the early 1900s at the Marzetti Restaurant, owned by Teresa Marzetti. She named the dish after her brother-in-law Johnny, and it quickly became a favorite across the state and beyond.

To this day, Johnny Marzetti remains a recipe that brings families together around the table when the weather turns chilly. So exactly, what is Johnny Marzetti?

It is a layered casserole filled with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. These simple ingredients that create a delicious, filling meal.

However, over the years, people have created many different versions. Sometimes replace the ground beef with ground Italian sausage. Or they they may add extra vegetables, or changing the variety of the cheese topping.

Today I will share the version that I grew up with as a child raised in central Ohio. Although I will also provided you with tips and variations you can use to make it your own.

The History Behind Johnny Marzetti

When Teresa Marzetti began serving Johnny Marzetti at her family’s restaurant in Columbus, the dish became famous for being affordable and satisfying. Even the college students from The Ohio State University, located nearby, loved it because it was inexpensive and filling.

As dish gained popularity it become a popular meal made in homes across the area. Families loved it because it was easy to make in large quantities. Eventually, the dish spread across Ohio and into neighboring states, becoming a regional comfort food classic.

Even though the Marzetti Restaurant closed in the 1940s, Johnny Marzetti lives on in kitchens everywhere. Some people call it a “Midwest goulash,” while others just know it as a baked pasta casserole. No matter what you call it, there’s no denying the lasting popularity of Johnny Marzetti.

What Makes A Classic Johnny Marzetti Recipe

The most original version of Johnny Marzetti is simple: ground beef, onion, green pepper, tomato sauce, seasonings, elbow macaroni, and cheese. These ingredients are layered and baked until bubbly.

Unlike some modern casserole recipes, it wasn’t overly creamy or full of extra additions. That’s what makes it stand out – it’s straightforward comfort food.

Here is the recipe that I grew up with and the one that is closest to the original version served at the restaurant.

Johnny Marzetti Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni or egg noodles
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and green pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.
4. Stir in the garlic and then cook for one more minute.
5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and then let simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
6. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta, then half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and then place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Helpful Recipe Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has a coating that keeps it from melting smoothly. However by simply shredding your own cheese will give you that gooey, creamy topping.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Since the noodles bake in the oven, they’ll soften further. Cooking them just to al dente will keep them from turning mushy.
• Make it ahead. You can assemble Johnny Marzetti up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze for later. Johnny Marzetti freezes beautifully. Bake it, let it cool, wrap tightly, and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven.
• Try variations. Substitute half the ground beef with Italian sausage for more flavor. Add mushrooms, corn, or zucchini for extra vegetables. Use mozzarella for a stringier cheese topping, or Parmesan for a sharper flavor.

What To Serve With Johnny Marzetti

Johnny Marzetti is rich, cheesy, and hearty, so pairing it with the right sides helps balance the meal. Here are some simple ideas to round out your dinner:

• Fresh Green Salad – A tossed salad with vinaigrette, Caesar salad, or spinach salad adds crunch and freshness.
• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful tomato sauce and making the meal feel extra cozy. (Try our go-to dinner rolls recipe: Sweet Dinner Rolls)
• Roasted Vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or broccoli work well, while fall veggies like Brussels sprouts or squash bring in seasonal flavor.
• Warm Soup Starter – A small bowl of tomato basil soup or vegetable soup is a nice way to begin the meal.
• Simple Fall Desserts – No meal would be complete in our house without dessert. Apple crisp, pumpkin bars, or even a fruit salad rounds out this meal perfectly.

Why This Dish Is A Fall Classic Meal

Fall is the season when we all crave hearty, warm meals. Johnny Marzetti is budget-friendly, can feed a crowd, and has that nostalgic flavor that makes you feel at home.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a football game gathering, or even as a make-ahead dish for the busy holiday season, it is always a crowd favorite.

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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