Classic American Comfort Food: Johnny Marzetti

Indulge in a comforting classic American dish with this Johnny Marzetti recipe. Made with ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings. The dish is named after the Italian immigrant, Johnny Marzetti, who popularized it in Columbus, Ohio. It offers a combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy everyone's taste buds. Prepare to be transported to the nostalgia and warmth of old-fashioned comfort food with this delicious recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the Johnny Marzetti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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