Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort meal, then you’ve got to try this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding the family or need a dish to impress guests without any fuss, this casserole has got your back. I absolutely love how this recipe layers simple ingredients into something spectacular—so keep reading, because this is one dish you’ll keep coming back to!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe is how the ingredients balance each other out—meaty, cheesy, and saucy with just the right herb kick. When shopping, look for fresh, high-quality sausage and ripe tomatoes to really make your dish shine.

• Elbow macaroni or egg noodles: I like elbow macaroni for that classic texture, but egg noodles work great if you prefer a softer bite.
• Olive oil: A splash to keep those veggies from sticking and add subtle richness.
• White onion: Diced finely to sweeten the sauce without overpowering it.
• Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness of the meat.
• Italian sausage: Use mild or spicy based on your heat preference—it really elevates the flavor.
• Ground beef: Keeps the casserole hearty and filling.
• Crimini mushrooms: These add earthiness and soak up all the tasty juices; feel free to swap with button mushrooms if needed.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that authentic Italian vibe.
• Italian seasoning: The herb blend pulls everything together—don’t skimp here!
• Salt and black pepper: Season well to highlight all flavors.
• Red chili flakes: A touch of heat that wakes up your taste buds without stealing the show.
• Tomato sauce: I use a good-quality canned tomato sauce to keep the base rich and smooth.
• Diced tomatoes: They bring texture and freshness to every bite.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that gooey pull we all crave.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharpness and depth, plus a gorgeous golden crust after baking.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the season—it’s so versatile, you can make it your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage and beef for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative; add an extra pinch of smoked paprika to keep the depth.
• Spicy Kick: I sometimes up the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a bolder flavor my husband adores.
• Cheese Swap: Tried using Monterey Jack or fontina instead of cheddar for a creamier texture—both are winners!
• Seasonal Veggies: Feel free to toss in zucchini or spinach for extra color and nutrients.

How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Pasta

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Cooking pasta a couple of minutes less than package instructions keeps it from turning mushy in the oven—you want it al dente! Drain, rinse with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Brown the Meat

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until tender and fragrant—about five minutes. Then add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them apart as they brown evenly. Trust me, taking the time to really brown the meat adds so much flavor.

Step 3: Add Mushrooms, Garlic, and Seasoning

Once the meat has lost its pink center, stir in your sliced mushrooms and cook until softened. Then gently add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for just about 30 seconds until the aroma hits your nose—that’s when you know you’re on track!

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Combine Pasta and Cheese

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, letting everything simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together. After that, stir in your previously cooked pasta along with half of your shredded cheeses. Keep folding the cheese into the pasta mixture until it melts and becomes wonderfully creamy.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Gorgeous

Transfer the cheesy meat and pasta mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to get that irresistible golden crust. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese has melted to perfection. Once out, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps the casserole firm up for nice, neat slices.

How to Serve Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly minced parsley or a little bit of chopped basil on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a light drizzle of good olive oil finishes it perfectly. If I want a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice on the side really refreshes those rich flavors.

Side Dishes

I love pairing this casserole with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies to balance out the hearty meatiness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are another favorite, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes bake individual portions in mini ramekins, which always looks fancy but is so easy to manage. Another fun idea is layering it in a glass casserole dish so guests can see those cheesy layers—talk about tempting! Around holidays, I add a sprinkle of Parmesan and some toasted pine nuts for an upscale finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This casserole reheats beautifully without drying out, which makes it perfect for weekday lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works like a charm. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers and labeling the date. It stays delicious for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, I usually reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent the top from burning, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works fine, but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe holds a special place in my heart—not just because it’s a total crowd-pleaser, but because it brings everyone together around the table. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. I hope you’ll give this a try soon; I’m pretty sure it’ll become a treasured staple in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!

Print