Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and utterly comforting meal, this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how this hearty casserole combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and melty cheese in one delightful dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and feeding a crowd. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together classic pantry staples with fresh veggies and savory meat to build those layers of flavor. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking.

• Elbow Macaroni or Egg Noodles: I usually go with elbow macaroni for that perfect bite-sized pasta that holds the sauce well.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil gives a subtle richness when sautéing your veggies and meat.
• White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth — make sure you dice it finely for even cooking.
• Green Bell Pepper: Gives a nice crunch and freshness balancing the meaty flavors.
• Italian Sausage: Look for fresh, mild or spicy depending on your heat preference; it really makes the casserole pop!
• Ground Beef: I like a lean option so it doesn’t get too greasy.
• Crimini Mushrooms: Their earthy taste complements the sausage perfectly — slice them evenly.
• Garlic: Minced fresh, of course — it builds a fragrant base for the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that brings an authentic Italian touch to the dish.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste — don’t skip!
• Red Chili Flakes: Adds just a hint of spicy warmth, optional but I recommend it.
• Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: These create the rich tomato base that ties everything together.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy melt on the inside layers.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and makes the top golden and bubbly.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have in the fridge. Let me share some ideas I’ve tried that you might enjoy too.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped the sausage and beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, and it’s just as satisfying.
• Spicy Twist: For some extra heat, I add a splash of hot sauce or extra red chili flakes, which my family always asks for!
• Cheese Swaps: Feel free to use pepper jack instead of cheddar for some kick, or add parmesan on top for a salty crust.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check the sausage ingredients to keep it safe and delicious.

How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Casserole Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9×13-inch casserole dish a good spray with cooking oil so nothing sticks. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your elbow macaroni. Cook it until just shy of tender—about two minutes less than the package suggests—to avoid mushy pasta later on. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, then set aside while we finish the sauce.

Step 2: Cook Your Sausage and Veggies

Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell pepper, cooking them until soft and fragrant; about five minutes. Next, add the Italian sausage and ground beef. This is when I put on my favorite podcast and break up the meat with a wooden spoon, a perfect workout for your forearms! Cook until no longer pink, then stir in sliced mushrooms and let them soften up for another five minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Once your mushrooms are nice and tender, add the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to release those amazing aromas. Now pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well. Let this simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, making sure all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese, Then Bake

Remove your skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta along with half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Fold the cheese in gently until it begins to melt into the sauce and pasta. Pour everything into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the cheese bubbles and gets that irresistible golden crust around the edges.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

This is a step I can’t skip: let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Trust me, this resting time helps it set up so you get nice, neat servings rather than a cheesy, saucy mess. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding some fresh minced parsley or even a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese right before serving. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich casserole beautifully. Sometimes I toss on a bit of crushed red pepper flakes if we’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and filling on its own, I like to pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus to keep things balanced. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are always welcome if you want an extra carb boost!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served Johnny Marzetti in individual ramekins and topped each with a little extra cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a fun way to make it feel a bit fancier and helps with portion control too. Sometimes I add a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for a gourmet touch that wowed my dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, and I find the flavors even deepen overnight. Just make sure you cool it down before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a champ. After it’s fully cooled, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. It stays good for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. About 20 minutes usually does the trick, or until hot throughout. If you’re in a hurry, microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe holds a special place in my heart—and on my dinner table—because it’s one of those timeless comfort foods that always feels like a warm hug. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough to share with family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough: give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll love how this dish fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with pure deliciousness.

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