Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and totally satisfying meal, you’ve got to make this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that just hits all the right notes—rich tomato sauce, hearty Italian sausage, melty cheese, and tender pasta all baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to for family dinners or when you want to impress without the stress.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe uses a well-rounded blend of ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll want to pick fresh veggies and good-quality sausage for the best flavor. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses ensures a gooey, tangy top that’s irresistible.

• Elbow macaroni or egg noodles: Elbow macaroni is classic here, but egg noodles give a softer, more tender bite.
• Olive oil: Adds just the right amount of richness and helps sauté your veggies perfectly.
• White onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base flavor.
• Green bell pepper: Gives a fresh crunch and subtle earthiness.
• Italian sausage: The star ingredient—pick a good quality, preferably with a bit of fennel and spices.
• Ground beef: Adds heartiness and balances the sausage’s flavors.
• Crimini mushrooms: Their meaty texture adds depth and umami.
• Garlic: Must-have for that punch of savory goodness.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano and basil that ground everything together.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip!
• Red chili flakes: Just a bit for heat, but adjust to your liking.
• Tomato sauce: A smooth base that coats the pasta and meat.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a bit of fresh tomato sweetness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy pull.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and color contrast on top.

Variations

One of the best things about this Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around with it over the years, and you can easily make it your own depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences.

• Vegetarian Variation: Swap the Italian sausage and ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms — the tomatoes and cheese keep it hearty.
• Spicy Kick: Add extra red chili flakes or some chopped jalapeños if you like it hot; my family loves the extra zing!
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to mix in Parmesan or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check canned tomatoes for gluten-free labels.

How to Make Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Par-Cook Your Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a large 9×13-inch casserole dish—this keeps things from sticking and helps with cleanup. Then bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for just about 2 minutes less than the package suggests so it stays firm. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside. This step is key because the pasta will soften more later in the oven, and you definitely don’t want mushy noodles here!

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies and Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re softened and smelling amazing. Then add your Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. When the meat is no longer pink, stir in those sliced crimini mushrooms and let them cook down until tender—around 5 minutes. Finally, mix in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds those deep layers of flavor you want.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce and Pasta, Then Cheese

Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then simmer everything together for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning. Next up, fold in your cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese right into the skillet. Off the heat now, keep stirring until the cheese melts into that saucy mixture—this creates the gooey magic that makes Johnny Marzetti so beloved.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Transfer the whole cheesy concoction into your prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly crust. Pop it into the oven for about 35 minutes, and you’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly around the edges and the cheese has melted into a gorgeous golden crust. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving; it helps the casserole set up so you get nice, neat slices.

How to Serve Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly minced parsley on top right after it comes out of the oven—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or some freshly grated Parmesan on top is fantastic too.

Side Dishes

Because Johnny Marzetti is so hearty, I usually keep the sides light and fresh. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables works perfectly to cut through all that cheesy goodness. Sometimes I even serve it with garlic bread if we’re having guests and want to keep things super cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this casserole in individual ramekins for easy portioning and a cute presentation. Another time, I tried topping it with thinly sliced fresh tomatoes and basil leaves after baking for a fresh twist. It’s a recipe that plays well with creativity, so don’t hesitate to dress it up with your favorite herbs or cheeses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I usually pack leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They keep really well for 3-4 days, and honestly, the flavors even deepen overnight, making for incredible leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully too—just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe dish or bag. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the cheese from drying out and the pasta from getting tough. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but be sure to cover and add a sprinkle of water if needed to keep it moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Johnny Marzetti Casserole with Italian Sausage Recipe has been a favorite of mine since I discovered it years ago, and it’s easy to see why—it’s comforting, flavorful, and feeds a crowd without stress. I love how adaptable it is and how every bite brings a cozy, home-cooked feel. You’re going to enjoy sharing this dish with your family just like I do mine. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your kitchen staples!

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