Johnny Mussetti
Johnny Mussetti is a comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that blends robust Italian flavors with hearty, all-American charm. Featuring a rich, meaty tomato sauce made from a delightful mix of ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, this baked pasta dish is layered with tender elbow macaroni and finished with a gooey duo of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The dash of oregano and basil adds a fragrant Mediterranean touch, while a hint of sugar perfectly balances the tangy tomatoes. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, and serve this family favorite hot and bubbly from the oven for a meal that's as comforting as it is delicious. Keywords: Johnny Mussetti recipe, baked pasta casserole, hearty family dinner, cheesy pasta bake, ground beef recipes, comfort food ideas.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 0.5 pound sweet Italian sausage
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, canned
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
739 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.5 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.9 g | 85% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 113 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 1439 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 57.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.9 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 37.9 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 355 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 801 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
