A Better Marzetti

Had never heard of johnny marzetti until recently stumbling on his recipe in some newspaper website. Actually, research shows marzetti's restaurant in columbus, ohio was the source of this great comfort food dish back in the 20's (..is it still there?). Have seen ingredients of several versions of this dish here, but none with all these great ingredients. This is an ultimate comfort food that is even better at the second and third sitting. I think that the sausage and italian cheese blend is key to success of this rendition. Dish is great with a nice green salad.

Steps

Adjust an oven rack to middle postition.

Grease a 13x9 in baking dish and set aside.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Bring 4 qts water to boil in large pot.

Add pasta and 1 tsp salt and cook , stirring often , according to package directions.

Drain pasta and transfer to baking dish.

Meanwhile , heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Brown beef and sausage until no longer pink- drain excess grease.

Add celery , onion , bell pepper , mushrooms and 1 tsp salt and cook , stirring ocassionally , until softened , 5 to 7 minutes.

Stir in garlic , oregano , pepper flakes , and 1 tsp pepper and cook until fragrant , about 30 seconds.

Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes , bring to a simmer and cook until flavors are blended , about 5 minute stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Set aside , off heat.

Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese evenly over pasta.

Then pour meat mixture on top of this.

Then sprinkle reamaining 1 cup of cheese evenly on top of meat mixture'.

Ingredients

rotini pasta, olive oil, celery, onion, green pepper, fresh mushrooms, garlic cloves, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, salt, lean ground beef, sweet italian sausage, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, parsley, cheese