The Best Baked Mostaccioli Recipe for Family Dinner Magic

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty baked mostaccioli that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Pasta lovers recognize this classic Italian-American dish as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any gathering.

Generous layers of melted cheese blend seamlessly with rich tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Perfectly seasoned ground beef adds robust flavor to each delectable bite.

Crispy edges and a molten center make this recipe irresistible for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, ensuring even novice cooks can master this delightful meal.

Let’s embark on a delicious journey that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Baked Mostaccioli Is a Comfort Food Staple

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a hearty pasta dish that brings everyone around the table with its rich, meaty flavors and gooey cheese topping.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal that comes together with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Family Dinner Champion: Create a satisfying one-pan wonder that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delightful.
• Perfect Potluck Performer: Transport and serve this crowd-favorite casserole that travels well and keeps its delicious taste, making it ideal for gatherings and shared meals.

Ingredients for Baked Mostaccioli

• Mostaccioli Pasta: A hearty, tube-shaped pasta that provides a perfect base for this comforting baked dish.
• Ground Beef: Adds rich protein and creates a substantial meat sauce for the pasta.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that brings vibrant flavor and moisture to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses create a golden, melty topping that adds creamy texture and savory depth to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These spices enhance the overall flavor profile of the meat sauce and bring out the natural tastes of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Baked Mostaccioli Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375F and grab a baking dish. Lightly coat the dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil mostaccioli pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it rest.

Step 3: Brown The Meat

• Ground beef
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sizzle the meat until it turns golden brown. Break up any large chunks while cooking. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and let it simmer.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Mix the cooked pasta directly into the meat sauce. Stir everything to ensure each pasta piece gets coated with the rich sauce.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the mostaccioli to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Helpful Tips for Baked Mostaccioli

• Pasta Perfection: Cook mostaccioli al dente to prevent mushy texture and ensure a satisfying bite in the final dish.
• Sauce Sensation: Use homemade marinara for deeper flavor, or choose a high-quality store-bought sauce with rich tomato base.
• Cheese Charm: Mix different cheese varieties like provolone or ricotta for a more complex and creamy cheese layer.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutritional value and enhance overall taste.

Variations to Try with Baked Mostaccioli

• Vegetarian Mostaccioli: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.

Best Pairings for Baked Mostaccioli

• Pair Perfectly with Hearty Red Wine: Select a robust Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the mostaccioli, cutting through the cheese's creaminess and enhancing the marinara's tangy notes.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a light, refreshing side that balances the dish's heaviness, using zesty dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce to provide a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta.
• Garnish with Fresh Basil Bread: Slice a crusty Italian loaf to soak up extra sauce, adding a fragrant herb element that elevates the overall dining experience and provides a delightful textural component.

Storage Guidelines for Baked Mostaccioli

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled baked mostaccioli to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes.

Common Questions About Baked Mostaccioli

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Mostaccioli or penne are ideal as they have similar tube-like shapes that hold sauce well and create a hearty texture.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this baked pasta dish and provides similar flavor and texture.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming dry during baking?

Ensure you have enough marinara sauce coating the pasta and cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to retain moisture.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Baked Mostaccioli blends Italian comfort with homestyle warmth, promising a rich pasta experience that delights family gatherings. Layers of tender pasta, robust marinara, and melted cheeses create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a rectangular casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook mostaccioli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package timing. Carefully drain pasta in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking meat into small crumbles. Season with Italian herbs, cracked black pepper, and kosher salt while cooking.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, cohesive sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Transfer cooked pasta into the meat sauce, gently folding until noodles are completely coated with the robust sauce.
6. Spread the pasta and meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth surface.
7. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese across the entire top layer, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes golden and slightly crispy around edges.

Notes

• Customize the meat sauce by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding provolone or fontina for extra depth of flavor and creamy texture.
• Make this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during the pasta and sauce combination step.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 655 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg