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 simple Oven-Baked Johnny Marzetti is a timeless comfort food casserole that comes together with only four main ingredients. Soft elbow macaroni is mixed with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and generous amounts of melted cheddar cheese before baking into a warm, cheesy, satisfying meal. It’s an easy, budget-friendly dinner option that works perfectly for weeknight meals, family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want a comforting homemade dish.
🛒 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 |
| Salt and black pepper (optional) | To taste |
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Get the Baking Dish Ready
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 2- to 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until it is slightly firm and just below al dente, following the package directions but reducing the cooking time by about 1–2 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Tip: Cooking the pasta slightly less prevents it from becoming mushy while it finishes baking in the sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
While the pasta is cooking, warm a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Remove any extra grease from the pan.
Add the tomato sauce to the beef and allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Combine the cooked macaroni with the beef and sauce mixture in a large bowl or the pasta pot. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 5: Build the Casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Add the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is melted with lightly golden areas.
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it can firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy.
