Lori’s Marzetti Bake

Savor the heartwarming flavors of Lori’s Marzetti Bake, a beloved family favorite passed down through generations. Lori Smith, from Newark, Ohio, perfected this delicious casserole to satisfy her large family of 8 kids. With its delightful taste and generous portions, this dish has become a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday feasts. The Marzetti Bake also holds a special place in Lori’s heart, as it brings back cherished memories of serving her grandchildren during the holidays. Sharing this delightful casserole is a tradition, and wherever it’s served, an empty dish is guaranteed to return.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup chopped green pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 3 cans (15 ounces each) plus 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 package (16 ounces) egg noodles
• 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

PREPARATIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a Dutch oven, cook the ground beef, mushrooms, onion, green pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender, breaking up the beef into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and brown sugar; bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend, stirring occasionally.
3. Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and add them to the sauce. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Transfer the mixture to two greased 11×7-inch baking dishes.
5. Cover each baking dish with greased foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.
6. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each casserole and bake, uncovered, for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

YIELD: 2 casseroles (12 servings each)

PREP/BAKE TIME: 30 minutes (preparation) + 35 minutes (baking)

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• You can customize this Marzetti Bake by adding other favorite vegetables or ingredients to suit your taste.

TIPS:

• Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up until the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed in the recipe.

In conclusion, Lori’s Marzetti Bake is a cherished family recipe that embodies love, tradition, and a delicious taste that leaves no plate empty. Developed by Lori Smith from Newark, Ohio, this casserole is the perfect solution for a large family of 8 kids and has become a crowd-pleasing dish at any gathering.

The combination of seasoned ground beef, fresh mushrooms, chopped onion, and green pepper creates a delightful medley of flavors, all brought together with the richness of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. The hint of brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory notes of the dish.

The egg noodles, cooked to perfection, blend harmoniously with the seasoned beef and vegetables. Topped with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese, this casserole is baked to a golden perfection, creating a delightful texture contrast that pleases every palate.

Lori’s Marzetti Bake holds a special place in her heart, not just for its delicious taste, but also for the memories it creates with her family, especially during the holidays. The tradition of serving this casserole to grandchildren has become a source of joy and love that extends to other big family functions and potlucks, where the empty dish becomes a testament to the dish’s popularity.

Influenced by the renowned Teresa Marzetti, who introduced the Johnny Marzetti casserole to Columbus, Ohio, in the 1920s, this Marzetti Bake holds true to the spirit of comforting and delightful casserole dishes that bring families together. The versatility of this dish allows for creative adaptations, making it a dish that can be personalized and enjoyed by all.

So, gather your loved ones and indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Lori’s Marzetti Bake—a casserole that not only feeds the body but also warms the soul with love, tradition, and deliciousness.