Top Chef Reveals 5 Essential Tips for a PERFECT Johnny Marzetti Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner and lower in calories.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade tomato sauce

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Homemade sauce can be fresher and lower in preservatives.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces fat while still melting well.

Add 1.5 lbs of ground beef to the slow cooker.

Add 0.5 lbs of mild Italian sausage to the slow cooker.

Finely dice and add 4 ribs of celery to the mixture.

Add a 15 oz can of petite diced tomatoes (Hunts) to the slow cooker.

Dice and add 1 medium green bell pepper to the mixture.

Add 1 cup of diced yellow onion to the slow cooker.

Pour in a 15 oz can of tomato sauce.

Add minced garlic to taste.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning across the top of the mixture.

Mix all ingredients together in the slow cooker.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally.

Add 12 oz of rotini pasta to the slow cooker and mix it in.

Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until pasta softens.

In the last 5 minutes, add 2 cups of Italian style cheese on top and cover to melt.

Sprinkle parsley on top for garnish before serving.

Serve the dish and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary