This classic Midwestern pasta casserole is a total crowd-pleaser.

I cant think of anything more Midwestern.

As an adult, Ive been drawn to the recipes history, which turns out to be fascinatingly muddled.

Spoonful of Johnny Marzetti Casserole lifted from the casserole dish, and in the surroundings, a stack of plates and a bowl of mixed greens salad

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Why is this dish, essentially a shortcut, un-fancified lasagna, named after some guy?

And why has this humble casseroles appeal endured for over a century?

Regardless, people eat the story up as willingly as they do the casserole itself.

Serving of Johnny Marzetti casserole and mixed greens on a plate at a table setting with more casserole in a casserole dish, another plate with another serving and a drink

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Heres the gist: The Columbus, Ohio restaurant Marzettis was a downtown fixture for decades.

Cue the family reunion!

Johnny Marzetti Variations and Swaps

My Marzetti might not be your Marzetti, but thats okay.

Sliced mushrooms stirred in a hot skillet over the stove for Johnny Marzetti casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

It takes well to personalization as well as passionate opinions.

Its reprinted here with the publishers permission.

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Onions, bell pepper, and garlic cooking in the skillet on the stove for Johnny Marzetti casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Add the mushrooms to the dry skillet.

As they heat, the mushrooms will give off their moisture.

Scrape the mushrooms in a bowl; set aside.

Beef added to skillet on the stove and cooking with the vegetables for Johnny Marzetti casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Wipe out the skillet and return it to the burner.

Add the oil; when it ripples, add the onion and cook until translucent, about 6 minutes.

Add the garlic and bell pepper and cook 1 minute longer.

Hand crushing whole canned tomatoes into the skillet with the ground beef mixture for Johnny Marzetti casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Season generously with salt.

Stop when the meat is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.

Simple Tip!

Cooked mushrooms added to the meat sauce in the skillet for Johnny Marzetti casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

My mom prefers to stick kitchen scissors right into the can and chop the tomatoes up that way.

Its less messy, but not as fun.

Add the reserved mushrooms; simmer 2 minutes longer.

Cooked elbow pasta draining in a colander in the stove for Johnny Marzetti casserole recipe

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt.

As the sauce cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

Add the pasta and cook until it still retains a bit of bite.

Johnny Marzetti casserole ingredients mixed together with cheese in a pot

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Return the pasta to the pot; add the cooked sauce and toss.

Mix in half of the cheeses, then dump into the greased dish.

Scatter the remaining grated cheese on top.

Johnny Marzetti casserole ingredients added to a casserole dish

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Bake until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is lightly browned, about 30 minutes.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

you could refrigerate leftovers, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.

Casserole dish with Johnny Marzetti casserole ingredients topped with grated cheddar and parmesan cheese

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

The baked casserole freezes well.

you’re free to even freeze the entire casserole to reheat later.

Baked Johnny Marzetti casserole in the casserole dish

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

Serving of Johnny Marzetti casserole and mixed greens on a plate at a table setting with more casserole in a casserole dish, another plate with another serving and two glasses with a drink

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm