If you’re looking for a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, this Hearty Marzetti Bake is your answer. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together beefy goodness, cheesy delight, and a hint of Italian flair. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
Ground beef is the heart of this dish, providing a rich and meaty base that’s both satisfying and filling. We’re using a pound here, which creates a great balance with the other ingredients. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies, adding a subtle flavor and preventing sticking. The onions and green bell peppers bring a sweet and earthy flavor to the mix, while the garlic adds a wonderful aromatic touch. Using tomato sauce and diced tomatoes creates a rich, tangy base that ties all the flavors together. A sprinkle of dried oregano and basil adds that classic Italian flavor, while a bit of salt and black pepper balances everything out. Uncooked elbow macaroni serves as the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the deliciousness, and finally, shredded cheddar cheese provides that unbeatable melty, golden topping.
This Hearty Marzetti Bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. The freshness of the salad complements the rich flavors of the bake, while the garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce. A light red wine like Pinot Noir would also complement the dish nicely.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This way, it'll be ready when you need it. Next, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook them until they're nice and soft, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once your veggies are softened, add in the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon and cook until it's browned all the way through.
Now it's time to bring some sauciness into the mix. Stir in the tomato sauce and the can of diced tomatoes, along with the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully. While your beef mixture is simmering, get a pot of water boiling and cook your macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain it once it's cooked and set it aside.
Once your beef and tomato mixture has had a chance to simmer, take it off the heat and mix in the cooked macaroni. You want to make sure every piece of pasta is coated with that rich sauce. Transfer everything to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Pop your dish into the preheated oven and bake it for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Share