Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Johnny Mac has become a beloved dish over the years, thanks to its simplicity—just four key ingredients that can easily satisfy a large group.
- This casserole brings a comforting blend of cheesy, meaty flavors that everyone craves.
First off, let me set the record straight: cooking is not my grandmother’s forte, a fact she freely admits. Despite this, she has managed to successfully feed our family every Sunday for as long as I can remember.
She might opt for takeout pizza on some occasions, but usually, she relies on a handful of quick and easy recipes that are perfect for large gatherings. One of my childhood favorites from her kitchen is her iconic pasta bake, affectionately known as Johnny Mac.
Johnny Mac is a streamlined version of the traditional Johnny Marzetti casserole, known for its cheesy, tomato-packed, and meat-heavy profile. Unlike the original, which often includes sausage, my grandma’s recipe uses either ground beef or turkey, only Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of tomato sauce, skipping any additional vegetables. The pasta remains a staple in both versions, which inspired the name of her dish.
When I first moved out on my own, Johnny Mac became my go-to meal. It’s delicious, simple to make, and satisfyingly hearty—and the recipe was so straightforward, I never needed to write it down. Another major advantage? It yields plenty of leftovers, perfect for extending over several meals.
If you’re looking to feed a bunch of people without hassle, my grandma’s Johnny Mac has you covered.
Johnny Mac Made Simple
Ingredients
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce (I recommend Rao’s)
- 1 1/2 cups (about 6 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Cook the macaroni and ground beef: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until very al dente, then drain. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In the same large pot, mix the drained macaroni, cooked meat, marinara sauce, and 1 cup of the grated Parmesan. Stir until well combined and the cheese is melty.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake until the cheese turns golden brown, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to avoid burns.
- Storing leftovers: Cool the casserole for about an hour before covering or transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate and enjoy within 4 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to eat.
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Riley Morgan simplifies health and wellness topics, providing readers with practical advice and insights. Dedicated to empowering others, Riley covers everything from mental health to medical breakthroughs.
