Johnny Marzzetti with Ground Venison

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Johnny Marzzetti with Ground Venison
Prep
15 min
Cook
1 hr 15 min
Total
1 hr 30 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  2. Use cooking spray to coat a 9x13 inch glass baking dish.

  3. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil.

  4. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. Then, drain the pasta.

  5. In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat until it starts to smoke.

  6. Add venison to the skillet and cook, stirring to break it apart, until it is browned and fully cooked.

  7. Remove any excess oil from the skillet, then add onion and green pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes soft.

  8. Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and water until they are combined with the venison mixture.

  9. Season the mixture with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.

  10. Combine the drained macaroni with the tomato sauce mixture.

  11. Pour the macaroni and tomato sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish.

  12. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.

  13. After 45 minutes, evenly sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the dish.

  14. Continue baking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and browned, which should take about 15 minutes.

About this recipe

Are you tired of cooking the same old recipes over and over again? Do you want to try something new and exciting? Well, look no further because I have the perfect recipe for you - Johnny Marzzetti with ground venison! This hearty and flavorful dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

The Perfect Twist

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is Johnny Marzzetti? Think of it as a delicious and cheesy pasta bake, but with a twist. Instead of using ground beef, we're going to use ground venison. This lean and tasty meat adds a unique flavor to the dish, making it a real crowd-pleaser.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the ingredients you'll need. Don't worry, you won't need anything fancy or hard to find. In fact, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.

The Ingredients

Here's what you'll need:

  • Ground venison
  • Pasta
  • Tomato sauce
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Easy Steps

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make Johnny Marzzetti with ground venison:

Step 1Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, so it doesn't become mushy when baked later on. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.

Step 2Brown the Venison

In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the ground venison and cook until it's browned and cooked through. Don't forget to season it with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Step 3Add the Flavor

Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until they become soft and fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to the dish.

Step 4Mix it Up

Now, it's time to bring everything together. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is well combined.

Step 5Cheesy Goodness

No pasta bake is complete without cheese! Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the top of the mixture. You can use any type of cheese you like - cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of both.

Step 6Bake it

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will give the dish a golden crust and enhance the flavors even more.

A Crowd Favorite

Once your Johnny Marzzetti with ground venison is out of the oven, all that's left to do is serve it up and enjoy! The combination of tender ground venison, flavorful sauce, and gooey cheese is sure to be a hit.

So, the next time you're looking to try something different, give this recipe a go. It's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a great way to switch up your usual dinner routine.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground venison?

A1: Absolutely! If you don't have ground venison, you can use ground beef, turkey, or even chicken instead.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A3: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to three months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A4: Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for some extra flavor and texture.

Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A5: Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or even macaroni will work well in this recipe.

Q6: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

A6: Yes, you can omit the ground venison and add extra vegetables or even meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh.

Q7: What can I serve with Johnny Marzzetti?

A7: This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread. It's a complete meal on its own, but feel free to get creative!

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

A8: Absolutely! This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure you have a big enough skillet or use two separate ones.

In conclusion, Johnny Marzzetti with ground venison is a delicious and satisfying dish that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and impress your loved ones with this flavorful twist on a classic pasta bake?

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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