My husband grew up on this in Ohio and taught me to make it just like his mom
Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Johnny Marzetti
This easy Oven-Baked Johnny Marzetti is a classic comfort food casserole made with just four simple ingredients. Tender elbow macaroni is combined with seasoned ground beef, your favorite tomato pasta sauce, and plenty of cheddar cheese before being baked until hot, bubbly, and perfectly melted. It’s an affordable, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a hearty homemade dinner.
đź›’ Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Uncooked elbow macaroni | 12 ounces |
| Ground beef (80–90% lean) | 1 pound |
| Tomato pasta sauce | 24 ounces |
| Shredded cheddar cheese, divided | 3 cups |
| Kosher salt and black pepper (optional) | To taste |
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2- to 3-quart casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just slightly under al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps prevent it from becoming too soft while baking in the sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the tomato pasta sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl or the pasta pot, mix the cooked macaroni with the beef and sauce mixture. Add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is fully melted with light golden spots on top.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Scoop onto plates and enjoy while warm.
