Once Upon a Menu: Johnny Marzetti

Johnny Marzetti . . . sounds like a guy who you owes you money! But it's actually one of America's classic casseroles. Welcome to my series Once Upon a Menu.

Born at the Marzetti Restaurant in Columbus Ohio, its beefy, tomatoey, cheesy goodness was made to feed a crowd. I booze it up with a cup of Chianti — like a real Italian would!

For more stories and recipes follow my Once Upon a Menu series on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @theinfinitefeast.

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Boozy Johnny Marzetti

Makes 6 to 8 servings

12 ounces elbow macaroni

1 1/2 pounds ground beef

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 cup dry red wine, preferably Merlot or Chianti

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided

1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided

Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Cook macaroni in well-salted water till 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain.

In large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown beef well. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to plate, leaving fat in skillet.

To fat, add onion and mushrooms. Cook 6 to 8 minutes till softened. Add garlic, cook 30 seconds.

Stir in tomato paste, cook 1 minute. Add wine, scraping up browned bits. Bring to boil, simmer 5 to 7 minutes, till reduced by 2/3.

Return beef to skillet. Add crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire, Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered 8 to 10 minutes, till thick and saucy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

In a large bowl, combine macaroni, meat sauce, 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes, till bubbling around edges. Broil, watching closely, till cheese is browned. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Follow me @theinfinitefeast on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, for more "Once Upon a Menu" stories and recipes. And check out my cookbook right here!

 🍝 🍷 🇮🇹 🥩 🧄 🍄‍🟫 🍅 🧀