There are some recipes that instantly bring you back to childhood, and this Johnny Marzetti recipe is one of them. Loaded with pasta, savory meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce, this old-fashioned comfort food has been filling dinner tables for generations.
Whether you know it as Johnny Marzetti, American Chop Suey, or goulash, this hearty pasta dish is the perfect family dinner. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Best of all, it makes enough to feed a crowd and tastes even better the next day.
My version adds smoky bacon for extra flavor along with mushrooms, peppers, and onions that simmer together in a rich tomato sauce. The result is a comforting pasta dinner that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.
More Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This Johnny Marzetti Recipe
- Easy comfort food dinner
- Perfect for feeding a large family
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Great for meal prep
- Freezer-friendly
- Ready in under an hour
- Packed with vegetables and protein
- Even better as leftovers
What Is Johnny Marzetti?
Johnny Marzetti is a classic Midwestern pasta casserole that combines pasta, ground meat, vegetables, and tomato sauce. Similar to American Chop Suey or old-fashioned goulash, it’s a hearty one-dish meal that’s become a comfort food favorite across the country.
Over the years, families have created their own versions using different meats, vegetables, and seasonings. This recipe combines tender pasta with ground turkey, crispy bacon, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and a rich tomato sauce for a meal everyone loves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bacon
- Ground turkey
- Onion
- Green bell pepper
- Mushrooms
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Pasta
How to Make Johnny Marzetti
Start by cooking the bacon in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving a little of the bacon drippings in the pan.
Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the onions, peppers, mushrooms, and garlic. Continue cooking until the vegetables soften.
Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes so the flavors can develop.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and add the pasta to the sauce.
Crumble the bacon and stir it into the mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the rich tomato sauce.
Serve hot with garlic bread and a simple green salad for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Tips for the Best Johnny Marzetti
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy.
- Let the sauce simmer to deepen the flavor.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a delicious topping.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Variations
Use Ground Beef
Traditional Johnny Marzetti is often made with ground beef instead of turkey. Feel free to substitute your favorite ground meat.
Make It Cheesy
Top the finished dish with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese and place it under the broiler for a few minutes.
Add More Vegetables
Zucchini, carrots, celery, or spinach all work well in this recipe.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
What to Serve with Johnny Marzetti
This hearty pasta dinner pairs perfectly with:
Johnny Marzetti Recipe (Easy American Chop Suey)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This easy American Chop Suey recipe is classic comfort food at its finest. Tender macaroni, seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and a rich tomato sauce come together in one hearty, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Also known as old-fashioned goulash, this family favorite is packed with flavor and even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- Fresh Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the ground beef to the bacon drippings and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Add the cooked macaroni and reserved bacon to the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with Italian sausage.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months.
- The flavors get even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 35 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
You can also freeze Johnny Marzetti for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Johnny Marzetti the same as American Chop Suey?
They’re very similar. Depending on where you live, the dish may be called Johnny Marzetti, American Chop Suey, or goulash.
Can I make Johnny Marzetti ahead of time?
Yes. The sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but rotini, penne, medium shells, or rigatoni all work well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, budget-friendly dinner that the whole family will love, this Johnny Marzetti recipe is always a winner. Loaded with hearty pasta, savory meat, vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, it’s the kind of old-fashioned comfort food that never goes out of style. Make a big batch, grab some garlic bread, and enjoy a classic family favorite that has stood the test of time.
