Panamanian Johnny Marzetti Pasta 🇵🇦😋😋

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories, while processed cheese is usually cheaper.

black olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: canned mushrooms

Green olives provide a similar briny flavor, while mushrooms are less expensive.

Italian seasoning

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Fresh herbs enhance flavor without added salt, while dried herbs are often cheaper.

Boil the elbow macaroni until cooked and set aside.

Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned.

Add chopped celery and sauté for a few minutes until softened.

Sauté chopped onion for about 6 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and sauté briefly to avoid burning.

Add the 15 ounce can of tomato sauce and 8 ounce can of tomato paste to the skillet.

Add 2 cups of water to the sauce mixture and stir to combine.

Add 1 tablespoon of oregano and 2 tablespoons of onion powder to the sauce.

Add the 3 ounce can of olives and stir into the sauce.

Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, covered to prevent splatter.

Add the can of peas and carrots just before finishing the sauce.

Mix the cooked macaroni with the sauce and ground beef mixture.

Stir in 1.5 cups of cheese until well combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens