Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Baked Mostaccioli is a hearty and comforting dish that brings together tender pasta, savory ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this baked pasta dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.

1. Cook Pasta:

• Prepare the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. Prepare Meat Sauce:

• In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Once the beef is cooked through, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.

1. Mix & Layer:

• Combine the cooked mostaccioli pasta with the meat sauce, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

1. Add Cheese:

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta mixture.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for some heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as provolone or fontina, for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or cover and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes?
   Yes, other pasta shapes like penne or ziti can be used in place of mostaccioli.
2. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
   Yes, you can freeze the baked mostaccioli before or after baking. Just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container.
3. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
4. What type of marinara sauce should I use?
   Any store-bought or homemade marinara sauce works well, but choose one you enjoy.
5. How do I know when it’s done baking?
   The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges should be slightly golden.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Spinach, broccoli, or peas can be added for extra nutrition.
7. What should I serve with Baked Mostaccioli?
   A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this dish.
8. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free mostaccioli or any gluten-free pasta of your choice.
9. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
   Use lean ground turkey or chicken and reduced-fat cheese.
10. How long will leftovers last?
    Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Conclusion

Baked Mostaccioli is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines simplicity with delicious flavors. With its comforting layers of pasta, beef, and cheese, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Try it out for your next family dinner, and enjoy the compliments from your guests!

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