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.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

While the sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the meat sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well coated.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2632.8 grams (2632.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4325

Total Fat 242.80g	311%
Saturated Fat 100.20g	501%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 674mg	225%
Sodium 7409mg	322%
Total Carbohydrate 323.10g	117%
Dietary Fiber 24.70g	88%
Total Sugars 45.60g
Protein 220.60g	441%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2032mg	156%
Iron 22mg	121%
Potassium 3716mg	79%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.1%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 29.6%