Johnny Marzetti: The Ultimate Comfort Dish for Uncomplicated Days
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In this warm and nostalgic episode of Hand Me Down Recipes, Kathie chats with Anna Buchholz from Cooking the Books about the beloved Johnny Marzetti casserole—a dish steeped in Midwestern heritage and family memories.
Anna shares how this budget-friendly, hearty casserole—known by many names like American Goulash, Cowboy Delight, and even “Earthworms and Snake Meat”—has been passed down through generations in her Ohio family. Originally created to feed college students cheaply at a Columbus, Ohio restaurant, it’s a mix of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese.
“If you can boil water, you can make this casserole.” – Kathie
“This is comfort food that tastes like you spent all day on it—but you didn’t.” – Anna
They explore how flexible the dish is—perfect for potlucks, make-ahead meals, or feeding a crowd. Both Anna and Kathie reminisce about childhood meals, frugal family traditions, and how recipes like this one carry more than flavor—they carry memory.
“They never measured. It was just, ‘what do we have?’ And it always worked.” – Anna
“It’s the kind of dish your grandma would have waiting when you arrived for the weekend.” – Kathie
The episode wraps with practical tips for freezing, serving, and modifying the recipe for different dietary needs, plus a nod to the Lasagna Love project—a wonderful way to share nourishing meals with neighbors in need.
“You don’t have to be a great cook to feed someone well.” – Kathie
Where to Find Anna:
Cooking the Books on Instagram
Johnny Marzetti Casserole by Simply Recipes