Johnny Mazzetti Recipe - A Flavorful Fusion from Panama and the USA

Johnny Mazzetti

Johnny Mazzetti Recipe - A Flavorful Fusion from Panama and the USA
Region / culture: Panama, USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Johnny Mazzetti
Johnny Mazzetti

Johnny Marzetti is a classic American casserole dish that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is made with ground beef, pork, vegetables, and cheese, all layered with noodles and baked to perfection.

History

Johnny Marzetti is said to have originated in Columbus, Ohio, at the Marzetti restaurant in the early 20th century. It was created by Teresa Marzetti, who named the dish after her brother-in-law Johnny Marzetti. The dish became popular in the Midwest and has since become a staple in American comfort food cuisine.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. In a large skillet, sauté beef and pork in oil.
  2. After cooking for a while, add thinly sliced onions, garlic cloves, and peppers.
  3. Fry for a little longer, then add all remaining ingredients except noodles and cheese. Simmer for a while.
  4. Cook the noodles in boiling water and drain them.
  5. Grease a large pan.
  6. Layer the meat mixture and noodles in the pan, sprinkling grated cheese between the layers and on top.
  7. Bake in a slow oven at 275°F (135°C) for two hours.

Variations

  • You can add different vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach to the meat mixture for added nutrition.
  • Try using different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
  • For a healthier version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sauté the beef and pork until they are browned and cooked through before adding the vegetables.

- Layering the meat mixture and noodles with cheese in between ensures that each bite is flavorful and cheesy.

- Baking the casserole at a low temperature for a long time allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt and bubble.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Johnny Marzetti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and comforting meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the meat until browned and cooked through before adding the vegetables.

- Layer the meat mixture and noodles in a greased pan for even distribution of flavors.

- Bake the casserole at a low temperature for a long time to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.

- Substitute gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Use different types of cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

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

Presentation Ideas

Serve Johnny Marzetti in a large casserole dish and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Johnny Marzetti pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements this hearty dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Johnny Marzetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Johnny Marzetti contains approximately 500 calories, making it a filling and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

Johnny Marzetti is a carb-heavy dish due to the noodles and tomato-based sauce. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

With the ground beef, pork, and cheese, Johnny Marzetti is a rich dish in fats. Each serving contains around 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing about 30 grams of protein from the beef, pork, and cheese.

Vitamins and minerals

Johnny Marzetti is a hearty dish that provides essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, such as vitamin C from the peppers and tomatoes, and potassium from the mushrooms and olives.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the cheese and gluten from the noodles. It may also contain allergens from the olives and pimentos.

Summary

Johnny Marzetti is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd.

Summary

Johnny Marzetti is a classic American casserole dish that is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This dish is made with ground beef, pork, vegetables, and cheese, all layered with noodles and baked to perfection. With a mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals, Johnny Marzetti is a balanced and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Johnny Marzetti. It was a cold winter day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on the title "Johnny Marzetti - A Heartwarming Family Favorite."

I had never heard of Johnny Marzetti before, but the description in the cookbook painted a mouth-watering picture of a hearty pasta dish filled with ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese. I knew immediately that I had to try making it.

The recipe itself was simple enough, calling for ingredients that I already had in my pantry. I gathered together the ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and pasta, and set to work in the kitchen.

As I sautéed the onions and garlic, the aroma that filled the air was intoxicating. I added the ground beef and watched as it browned, releasing its savory juices. Next, I poured in the tomatoes and let the mixture simmer until it had thickened into a rich, flavorful sauce.

Finally, I cooked the pasta until it was al dente, and mixed it together with the meat sauce in a large casserole dish. I sprinkled a generous amount of cheese on top and popped it into the oven to bake until the cheese was bubbly and golden brown.

When I took the Johnny Marzetti out of the oven and served it to my family, the look of delight on their faces was enough to make all the effort worthwhile. The dish was a hit, and quickly became a regular feature on our dinner table.

Over the years, I have made Johnny Marzetti countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. Sometimes I add mushrooms or bell peppers, other times I use different types of cheese. But no matter how I make it, the dish always brings back fond memories of that cold winter day when I first discovered the recipe.

As I continued to make Johnny Marzetti, I began to share the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its comforting flavors and satisfying texture. It became a staple at potlucks and family gatherings, with everyone clamoring for seconds and asking for the recipe.

I learned that Johnny Marzetti was actually a popular dish in the Midwest, named after a restaurant owner in Columbus, Ohio who first created it in the early 20th century. The recipe had been passed down through generations, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I loved the idea that I was now a part of this culinary tradition, that I had added my own chapter to the story of Johnny Marzetti. It felt like a connection to the past, a way of honoring the cooks who had come before me and shared their recipes with the world.

And so, whenever I make Johnny Marzetti now, I do so with a sense of pride and gratitude. I am grateful for the simple pleasure of cooking and sharing good food with my loved ones, and for the joy that it brings to all who taste it.

I may have learned the recipe for Johnny Marzetti from a dusty old cookbook, but it has become so much more than just a dish to me. It is a symbol of love, of tradition, and of the joy that comes from sharing good food with those we care about. And for that, I will always be grateful.

Categories

| American Cheese Recipes | American Recipes | Canned Tomato Soup Recipes | Celery Recipes | Egg Noodle Recipes | Garlic Recipes | Green Olive Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Ground Pork Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Onion Recipes | Panamanian Meat Dishes | Panamanian Recipes | Parsley Recipes | Pimento Recipes | Sweet Pepper Recipes | Tomato Paste Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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