I say we're having Johnny Marzetti for dinner. Do you know what that is? (goulash, tomato)

[arsbadmojo]

Background; I grew up in Columbus, OH. If you ask folks from Columbus what Johnny Marzetti is, I'm pretty sure you'd get around 85% who would know what that is.

I lived in Cincinnati for many years, and I'd guess only about 40% of the folks that live there know what it is.

I'm in Raleigh, NC now, and haven't asked enough folks to even form an opinion yet.

For the record, Johnny Marzetti is a tomato based, ground beef and elbow macaroni dish. I've heard it called "Goulash" even by folks who know perfectly well that it isn't anything close to goulash, and I've heard it called Chili-Mac even though it has no chili powder (although you can make it as a chili inspired dish) and I've even heard it called "Hot dish", which I just find funny.

Wikipedia says the dish was 'invented' in Columbus, OH but doesn't supply any firm dates.

[Cuisinette]

It is something the Greeks would call Pasticho.

A pasta and meat casserole.

[Robhu]

I thought Johnny Marzetti was a catcher with the Yankees years ago.
The dish you describe is what my family has called Goulash for years.

[LaceyEx]

Out here they call it American Chop Suey (a hot dish).

[STT Resident]

Oh darn, there I was fantasizing that you lived in an old Italian neighborhood, were the local capo and were serving up the bad Mr. Marzetti as spicy meatballs. The truth is far less interesting. Cheers!

[geekduo]

Sounds like one version of a hotdish that I grew up with. I don't see how anybody can really claim inventing it. It's more a dish made by trying to live frugally in a rural area. Home canned tomatoes, elbow mac, and inexpensive ground beef (or venison). Some spices to make it taste better, and you've got a really cheap meal.

[Ohiogirl81]

I know what it is, but I sure as heck don't love it!

Johnny Marzetti was served in my school cafeteria every week without fail. Those were the days I brought my lunch.

[findinghope]

i guess it's supposed to be the americanized version of pasta with a bolognese sauce...

[Denise in Fla]

Originally Posted by LaceyEx

Out here they call it American Chop Suey (a hot dish).

That's what I call it, I am originally from CT.

[Niki]

Never heard of it called that. We always called it goulash, though I know that goulash is really something different. Not sure why my parents called it goulash.