Johnny Marzetti Casserole

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

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

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: American cheese

Reduced-fat options cut calories, while American cheese is often cheaper.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, and provolone can be less expensive.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: shell pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while shell pasta is often cheaper.

Preheat your oven to 350 °F. Grease or spray a 9x13 casserole dish.

Cook the pasta according to the package directions to a firm al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.

Fry the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet until browned. Drain out the grease, reserving a tablespoon or so in the pan, and place the cooked ground meat in a bowl.

Mix the onion and mushrooms into the skillet grease and cook until soft. Add in the garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and white sugar. Simmer briefly, then stir in the ground meat. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Spread a little bit of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish, then top with the pasta.

Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese over the pasta, then pour the remaining sauce over top.

Cover and cook in the oven for 45 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling. When ready, uncover, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and cook again until the cheese is melted and bubbling on top.

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes to set, then spoon onto plates to serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens