Johnny Marzetti

This is my version of a childhood  favorite in Ohio. Its origins go back to the Marzetti restaurant in Columbus Ohio. By the 1920`s it became popular . I  remember it being served in the elementary  schools in the 60`s  then it kind of just went away.

3 tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion minced
2 lb. Ground turkey
1 lb. box elbow macaroni   cooked and drained
3 ½ cups tomato sauce
1 ½  lb.  shredded cheddar cheese   
2 tbsp. minced garlic
¼   cup finely chopped   red  bell pepper
1 tbsp. dried basil      


In a skillet saute onion  and peppers  about 3 min. then add the garlic and the turkey and cook, breaking up the clumps until turkey is done. Remove from heat and add basil and tomato sauce and half of the cheese. Transfer to a   greased 9 x 13 baking dish and add the cooked and drained macaroni and stir gently. Put the remaining cheese on top .  Bale at 350 degrees for about 30 min. or until bubbly.