Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Deluxe
Indulge your family in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Deluxe, a delightful one-dish meal that combines tender mostaccioli pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich blend of creamy cheddar cheese soup and marinara sauce. This recipe has been cherished through the years, originally featuring in an old Pampered Chef cookbook, ensuring it's a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. It's perfect for busy weeknights and makes for an excellent make-ahead meal; it can easily be frozen and baked later, making it a fantastic option for once-a-month cooking (OAMC). Enjoy the warm, gooey goodness topped with melted mozzarella cheese that pulls apart with each serving.
10
Servings
320
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mostaccioli pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
Ground beef
1.5 lbs (browned)
Spaghetti sauce
28 ounces (prepared)
Condensed cheddar cheese soup
11 ounces (prepared)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Dried Italian seasoning
1 - 1.5 teaspoons (mixed)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups (divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, prepare the mostaccioli pasta according to the package directions. Rinse the cooked pasta in cold water and drain well.
3
In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4
Pour in the spaghetti sauce and condensed cheddar cheese soup into the skillet with the browned beef. Stir in the ground black pepper and Italian seasoning, combining everything thoroughly.
5
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cooked mostaccioli, the beef-sauce mixture, and 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese until well mixed.
6
Pour the mixture into a greased 4-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown slightly.
9
For OAMC (Once-A-Month Cooking): To freeze, complete the recipe up until step 6. Seal it tightly with foil or transfer it into a zip-top freezer bag. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
39g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Deluxe?
It is a comforting one-dish pasta meal featuring ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese soup, and marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella.
What kind of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked mostaccioli pasta.
Can I substitute mostaccioli with another pasta?
Yes, penne or ziti are excellent substitutes as they have a similar shape and texture.
How much ground beef is needed?
You will need 1.5 pounds of ground beef, browned and drained.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a leaner protein alternative.
What makes the sauce in this recipe unique?
The sauce uses a combination of 28 ounces of spaghetti sauce and 11 ounces of condensed cheddar cheese soup for a rich, creamy flavor.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided between the mixture and the topping.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 4-quart baking dish is recommended to fit all the ingredients.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should bake for 40 minutes in total.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover it with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes, then remove it for the final 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
Is Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Deluxe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is an excellent freezer meal and is perfect for once-a-month cooking (OAMC).
How do I freeze this meal for later?
Complete the recipe through the assembly step, seal it tightly with foil or a freezer bag, and freeze before baking.
How do I prepare the frozen mostaccioli?
Thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before baking it according to the original instructions.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 18 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains 12 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 39 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What seasonings are used in the beef mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper and 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning.
What does OAMC stand for?
OAMC stands for Once-A-Month Cooking, a method of preparing meals in bulk to freeze and eat later.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture would be a great addition.
How should I prep the pasta before mixing?
Cook the pasta according to package directions, rinse with cold water, and drain well.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults due to its cheesy and familiar flavors.
Where did this recipe originate?
It was originally featured in an old Pampered Chef cookbook.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute with provolone, Monterey Jack, or a mild cheddar.
Can I use fresh herbs?
Yes, you can substitute the dried Italian seasoning with fresh basil, oregano, and parsley, though you may need to increase the quantity.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef or replace it with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach.