 Johnny Marzetti is a pastacasserole popular in the American Midwest and the formerPanama Canal Zone. | |
| Alternative names | Marzetti, Johnny Mazetti, Mazetti, Johnny Machete, Joe Mazzotti, Jo Mazzotti |
|---|---|
| Course | Main dish |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Columbus, Ohio,Midwestern United States |
| Created by | Marzetti's Restaurant,Columbus, Ohio |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Pasta,ground beef,Italian sausage,tomatoes,cheese |
| Variations | mushrooms, vegetables, olives |
Johnny Marzetti, or simplymarzetti, is an Americanpasta dish in thecuisine of the Midwestern United States prepared withnoodles,cheese,ground beef orItalian sausage,[1] and atomato sauce that may includearomaticvegetables andmushrooms.[2]
Johnny Marzetti originated inColumbus, Ohio, atMarzetti's, anItalian restaurant established in 1896 at Woodruff Avenue and High Street by an Italian immigrant named Teresa Marzetti.[3][4] One of the dishes Marzetti offered her customers was a baked casserole of ground beef, cheese, tomato sauce, and noodles that she named for her brother-in-law, Johnny.[5] Teresa Marzetti was the first person to serve the casserole Johnny Marzetti in a restaurant.[6] Proximity to the nearbyOhio State University helped the first restaurant succeed and spread Marzetti's fame.[7]
By the 1920s, it had become popular across Ohio and theMidwestern United States. The original restaurant closed in 1942, but a second location, opened in 1919, remained in operation until Teresa Marzetti died in 1972.[8] Marzetti's later became known for various salad dressings, which are still produced under theT. Marzetti Company label.[citation needed]
Johnny Marzetti also became a popular dish in the formerPanama Canal Zone, whereZonians referred to the dish as "Johnny Mazetti".[9]
In Season 3, Episode 18 ofGilmore Girls, "Happy Birthday, Baby", Johnny Marzetti casserole is referred to as "Johnny Machete", a dish[10]Richard Gilmore's grandmother made for him when he was feeling sad.[11]
40°00′13″N83°00′31″W / 40.003693°N 83.008571°W /40.003693; -83.008571
