Cheesy Mostaccioli Pasta Bake
This Cheesy Mostaccioli Pasta Bake is a delightful twist on a traditional Italian casserole, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. Packed with succulent ground beef and a rich, flavorful spaghetti sauce, this dish is layered with creamy mozzarella and tangy Parmesan cheese, creating a gooey, savory delight that the whole family will love. It’s easy to prepare and can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal go-to recipe that you can whip up any night of the week.
6
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
Mostaccioli pasta
4 cups (cooked and drained)
Spaghetti sauce
30 oz jar (ready to use)
Grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (divided)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
8 oz (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
3
In the same skillet, add the cooked mostaccioli pasta, spaghetti sauce, and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
4
Spoon the pasta mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Top the pasta with the shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Mostaccioli Pasta Bake!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mostaccioli Pasta Bake?
It is a flavorful Italian-style casserole featuring ground beef, mostaccioli pasta, spaghetti sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of cooked and drained mostaccioli pasta.
Can I substitute mostaccioli with another pasta?
Yes, you can easily substitute mostaccioli with penne or ziti as they have a similar shape and texture.
How much ground beef do I need?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and drained before assembly.
How long does the pasta bake take to cook?
The dish needs to bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for the best results.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
As written, it contains beef, but you can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat or using a plant-based meat substitute.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can the Cheesy Mostaccioli Pasta Bake be frozen?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Ensure it is tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What types of cheese are used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Absolutely, you can use any 30 oz jar of your favorite spaghetti or marinara sauce.
Is this pasta bake spicy?
The recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add spice by using a spicy arrabbiata sauce or red pepper flakes.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat portions in the microwave or place the dish back in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
What side dishes go well with this?
Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Yes, adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat mixture is a great way to include veggies.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The bake is ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and has turned a light golden brown.
What size baking dish is needed?
A standard 13x9-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
Should I cover the dish with foil while baking?
The instructions do not require covering, which allows the cheese to brown and become bubbly.
Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded?
Yes, though fresh mozzarella has higher moisture, so the bake might be slightly more liquid.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, but it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and verifying the sauce is gluten-free.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan work perfectly fine for this quick meal.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need one 30 oz jar of spaghetti sauce.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, draining the excess fat after browning the beef ensures the dish is not overly greasy.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
The dish can be prepared and baked in approximately 30 minutes total.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in two 13x9-inch dishes.