Johnny Mazetti

Johnny Mazetti Recipe - Classic American Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Johnny Mazetti is a classic American casserole dish that is hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping for the week ahead. With layers of noodles, ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Johnny Mazetti is said to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. It is a popular dish in the Midwest and is often served at potlucks, family gatherings, and church suppers. The exact origins of the dish are unclear, but it is believed to have been created by Italian immigrants who adapted traditional Italian flavors to create a new and delicious dish.

Ingredients

2 packages of egg noodles
1.5 to 2 lb (680 to 907 g) of ground beef
1 lb (454 g) of green peppers
1 lb (454 g) of onions
1 stalk of celery
1 large jar of green olives
1 can of tomato paste
1 can of tomato sauce
1 can of arturo sauce
1 large can of mushrooms
1 lb (454 g) of grated cheddar cheese
1 tsp of italian seasoning
1 tsp of garlic powder

How to prepare

Brown ground beef and drain. Transfer to a large pot.
Chop peppers, onions, celery, and mushrooms. Add them to the pot with the drained meat.
Add the seasoning and garlic powder to the pot. Mix well.
Add sauces and paste to the pot. Mix again.
Place the pot on medium-low heat.
In another pot, cook the noodles. Once done, add them to the mixture in the pot and stir well.
Layer the mixture in a long oblong pan.
On each layer, sprinkle shredded cheese, leaving enough for the top.
Place about 4 tsp of butter on the top of the mixture.
Put the pan into the oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes.
If there are leftovers, store them in ziplock freezer bags for later use. Freezes well and tastes even better the next time.

Variations

You can add different vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or spinach to the mixture.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
You can use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or parmesan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the ground beef well after browning to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the mixture.

- Make sure to cook the noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or tofu.

Serving Suggestions

Johnny Mazetti is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in a long oblong pan helps to ensure that each bite is full of flavor. Be sure to evenly distribute the cheese and butter on each layer for a deliciously gooey and crispy topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green olives, you can use black olives or capers instead. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble Johnny Mazetti ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake it. This dish also freezes well, so you can make a double batch and freeze one for later.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Johnny Mazetti in the baking dish at the table for a rustic and comforting presentation. You can also garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Johnny Mazetti pairs well with a crisp green salad, a glass of red wine, or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Johnny Mazetti contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Johnny Mazetti contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Johnny Mazetti contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Johnny Mazetti contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Johnny Mazetti is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (noodles).

Summary

Johnny Mazetti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Johnny Mazetti is a delicious and comforting casserole dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping. With layers of noodles, ground beef, vegetables, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a cold winter day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the recipes were still as enticing as ever.

As I turned the pages, a recipe for Johnny Mazetti caught my eye. I had never heard of it before, but the ingredients and instructions seemed simple enough. Ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese – what could go wrong?

I decided to give it a try that very night. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As the dish cooked in the oven, the savory aroma filled the air and made my stomach grumble in anticipation.

When it was finally ready, I scooped some onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the tanginess of the tomatoes, the richness of the beef, and the gooeyness of the melted cheese. It was a perfect blend of comfort and satisfaction.

I savored every bite, feeling like I had stumbled upon a hidden gem. I made a mental note to add this recipe to my repertoire and share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I continued to make Johnny Mazetti, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. Sometimes I would add extra garlic for a punch of flavor, or swap out the ground beef for ground turkey for a healthier twist.

But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the dish remained the same – a warm and comforting meal that never failed to put a smile on my face.

As I made Johnny Mazetti for family gatherings and potlucks, it became a staple in my cooking repertoire. It was always met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

One day, at a church potluck, a little old lady approached me and asked for the recipe. She told me that she had never tasted anything quite like it and wanted to make it for her own family.

I gladly shared the recipe with her, feeling a sense of pride that I could pass on something so delicious and comforting to someone else.

As the years went by, I continued to make Johnny Mazetti for special occasions and everyday meals. It became a tradition in our family, a dish that everyone looked forward to and cherished.

I often think back to that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's old cookbook. It was like finding a hidden treasure, a culinary gem that would become a part of my cooking legacy.

And now, as I pass on the recipe to my children and grandchildren, I know that Johnny Mazetti will continue to be a beloved dish in our family for generations to come.