"If you've never heard of a Johnny Marzetti casserole, the name can definitely be confusing. It's a staple of the culinary world in Columbus, Ohio, but virtually unknown elsewhere. According to lore, Italian immigrant Teresa Marzetti came to Columbus in 1896 and opened Marzetti's Restaurant. The pasta dish - a mix of macaroni noodles, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese - was named after her brother. It became so ubiquitous locally that it's served in high school cafeterias and at family get-togethers to this day."
"There are multiple variations and many include additions like onion, fresh tomato, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Some versions include beans, use egg noodles, or even swap tomato sauce for cream of mushroom soup. In a lot of ways it's like an elevated homemade Hamburger Helper, but baked and covered in a layer of cheese. The most "classic" versions seem to stick with beef, macaroni, tomato sauce, and cheese."
Johnny Marzetti is a baked pasta casserole centered on macaroni (or other pasta), ground beef (or ground pork), tomato-based sauce or canned soup, and a melted cheese topping. The recipe traces to Columbus, Ohio, and is associated with Italian immigrant Teresa Marzetti, becoming common in local cafeterias and family meals. The dish supports many variations, including additions like onion, fresh tomato, mushrooms, bell peppers, beans, or egg noodles. Vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, or peas can be included. The preparation emphasizes flexibility, affordability, and comforting, crowd-pleasing flavors.
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