Johnny Marzetti (Pasta with Meat Sauce)


Growing up in central Ohio, this dish in my family, was called Johnny Marzetti. Pasta with meat sauce, all mixed together and maybe sprinkled with the grated cheese in the green can. 
My husband calls it Goulash, as do several other people I know. 
For me, regardless of the name, it's comfort food. Easy to make, quick to make and super versatile. 
You can actually make this dish super healthy, and still delicious. Normally, I add shredded carrot, diced zucchini and chopped bell pepper to my sauce. I use really lean ground beef or turkey. And brown rice pasta, which tastes really good (we prefer it over regular pasta). You can add mushrooms, spinach, hot peppers, whatever you like. 

What does your family call this dish?

Johnny Marzetti
Phase 1 of FMD
Makes 4 standard portions

1lb lean ground beef or turkey
2 cups pureed tomato or tomato sauce
4 cups cooked brown rice pasta
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1T dried basil
1T dried oregano
1/2 tsp dry thyme
1 tsp each salt and pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 small onion diced


Brown the meat and onionover medium high heat, stirring to break up. Add garlic and herbs, s&p. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato and stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add beef or chicken stock, or water if the sauce is too thick for your liking. 
Stir in cooked pasta, then serve. 


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