Elizabeth’s Johnny Marzetti

By á-94276

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (more if desired)
• 2 cans (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, (or 1 diced, one stewed) drain a little
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chopped oregano
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Pinch of sea salt
• Coarsely ground black pepper to taste
• 2 - 8 oz packages of grated cheddar, Italian or mozzarella cheese
• 3 About 3 cups dried or 12 ozs of macaroni noodles

Details

Adapted from ohiothoughtsblog.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cook noodles; drain and set aside.

In a large skillet cook ground beef until mostly brown. Add onion, garlic and celery;
Cook until meat is done and vegetables are tender. Drain off grease. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl mix cooked noodles with meat mixture. Mix in 1 to 1 ½ packages of cheese. I use both shredded cheddar and mozzarella mixed together. And don’t be afraid to add more cheese, if like me, you love cheese!
Use butter to grease a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish. Spread the meat noodle mixture into the casserole dish and then sprinkle the top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until lightly browned and bubbling.