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Delicious 4-Ingredient Johnny Marzetti dish served on a plate

4-Ingredient Johnny Marzetti

A simple and hearty casserole made with pasta, ground beef, pasta sauce, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or other short pasta Cooked just until al dente.
  • 1 pound lean ground beef Cooked until browned.
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided into two cups.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to the package directions. Drain well.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Stir the pasta sauce into the cooked beef and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beef mixture, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
  3. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Best served hot from the oven. Pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.