Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely can’t miss this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe. I stumbled upon this classic Midwestern casserole years ago, and it quickly became a staple in my house. With layers of savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a gooey blend of mozzarella and cheddar, this casserole hits all the right notes for a family dinner or potluck success. Keep reading because I’m sharing every tip you need to nail this cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe blends familiar pantry staples with hearty Italian sausage to create a perfect balance of flavors. Here are the ingredients that work best together for that rich, comforting casserole everyone asks for seconds of.

• Elbow macaroni or egg noodles: Elbow macaroni is classic here, but egg noodles give a slightly softer, silkier texture—both work great.
• Olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding subtle richness.
• White onion: Adds sweetness and depth when caramelized just right.
• Green bell pepper: Provides freshness and a little crunch to lighten up the meatiness.
• Italian sausage: This is the star! Choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
• Ground beef: Balances the sausage flavor and keeps things hearty without overpowering.
• Crimini mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they soak up flavor wonderfully.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic wakes up the sauce and spices.
• Italian seasoning: Your shortcut to classic Italian herb flavor without extra chopping.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors throughout.
• Red chili flakes: Just a pinch to bring warmth without overtaking.
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These create the luscious, saucy base.
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese: The melty, gooey cheese blend on top and inside is what gives this casserole that irresistible appeal.

Variations

One of the reasons I adore this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve personalized it plenty of ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs, and you can too—feel free to make this recipe your own!

• Switch up the protein: I once swapped ground turkey for beef and sausage to make it a bit lighter—still delicious and perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in zucchini or spinach to sneak in some greens without overwhelming the dish.
• Cheese options: Try using provolone or Monterey Jack if you want a different melty texture or a slightly different flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your tomato sauce doesn’t have hidden gluten.

How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prep and cook your pasta perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. I love adding a generous pinch of salt because it seasons the pasta from within. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just shy of al dente—about two minutes less than what the package says—so it can finish cooking perfectly in the oven without getting mushy. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside. Trust me, this little pause makes a huge difference in texture.

Step 2: Sauté your veggies and brown the meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the diced onions and green bell pepper. Cook them until soft and fragrant—it usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add your Italian sausage and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller bits as it cooks, stirring often so it browns evenly without steaming. Once it’s no longer pink, toss in the sliced mushrooms and keep cooking until they release their moisture and soften—about another 5 minutes. Finally, stir in garlic and seasoning—Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of red chili flakes—and cook for about 30 seconds to let the flavors bloom.

Step 3: Simmer sauce and combine with pasta

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring everything together. Let this simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often so nothing sticks to the pan. Then, fold in your cooked pasta and half the shredded cheese. Take the pan off the heat and stir gently until the cheese melts and everything gets wonderfully creamy and saucy.

Step 4: Bake it to bubbly perfection

Transfer your cheesy pasta and meat mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, because, well, more cheese is always welcome. Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for about 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly along the edges with a light golden brown top. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—it helps the casserole set up so you get nice, clean slices.

How to Serve Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly minced parsley on top right after the cooling period—it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens up those rich flavors. Sometimes I toss on a little extra parmesan cheese if we’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands well on its own, but I like to balance it with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is also a crowd-pleaser to mop up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I’ve served Johnny Marzetti in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly for a personal touch. It’s always a hit, and guests love having their own cheesy little casserole to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store super well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. I usually portion it out into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, I recommend wrapping the casserole tightly with foil or transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When I freeze it, I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which helps keep that cheesy goodness intact.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. I like keeping it covered to prevent drying out, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to get the cheese bubbly again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe is hands-down one of my go-to comfort foods that never disappoints. It’s hearty enough to fill up a hungry crowd, yet easy and forgiving enough for weeknight dinners. I love how the melty cheese envelops the savory sauce and pasta, making every bite cozy and satisfying. If you haven’t tried this family favorite yet, I really encourage you to give it a whirl—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over again. Trust me, your family will thank you!

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