When you think of comfort food, hearty pasta dishes often come to mind. Baked mostaccioli is one of those perfect meals that sits at the intersection of tasty and satisfying. It's a dish that tells a story of love, family gatherings, and warmth.
If you're curious about how to elevate your mealtime with this delightful creation, you've landed in the right place.
Baked mostaccioli pairs perfectly with fresh, crispy garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the cheesy pasta, making each bite irresistible.
A simple green salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of parmesan adds extra flavor, balancing the heaviness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables like seasonal root veggies or Brussels sprouts add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch. Their natural sweetness and charred edges bring a nice depth to the meal.
Now, let's dive into the star of the show—baked mostaccioli. This dish combines tender pasta, a delightful medley of spices, and layers of cheese, all blanketed in a savory marinara sauce.
With its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s going to make your mouth water long before the first bite.
Adding cream to the mixture boosts the richness and creates a silky texture. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser for your next family dinner or a potluck, baked mostaccioli fits the bill perfectly.
So, what exactly is this dish?
Baked mostaccioli is essentially a pasta casserole, made typically with mostaccioli noodles, marinara sauce, and copious cheese, all baked to golden perfection.
The pasta is cooked until al dente, mixed with a savory sauce, and layered with cheese before being baked to achieve bubbly, cheesy goodness.
1. Comforting Flavors: The combination of marinara and creamy elements makes everyone feel at home. This dish wraps you in its warm embrace, often bringing back fond memories of family dinners.
2. Easy Assembly: With minimal prep work required, baked mostaccioli fits well into a busy schedule. You can prepare everything in a single bowl and toss it into the oven—no elaborate steps required.
3. Customizable Ingredients: You can tailor the dish to your liking. Whether you're in the mood for more veggies or different proteins like sausage or ground turkey, baked mostaccioli can accommodate your preferences without any fuss.
4. Feeding a Crowd: This recipe is a huge hit for gatherings. It’s filling, easy to portion, and can be made ahead of time. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, and your guests will rave about it.
Gathering your ingredients is the next step to launching into this culinary delight. Here’s the list:
Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside. You want it slightly undercooked, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and ground beef, browning it until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with juices), water, Italian herb blend, and sugar. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Add the heavy cream, half of the mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan. Fold everything to evenly coat the pasta.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. Serve hot and watch it disappear.
To ensure your mostaccioli turns out splendidly, consider these helpful suggestions:
Baked mostaccioli nutrition facts
After enjoying your baked mostaccioli, there may be some leftovers (if you’re lucky). Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. You can also freeze it! Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 3 months.
If you find yourself missing an item from the ingredient list, don't worry! Here are a few substitution ideas:
Baked mostaccioli is a versatile and delectable dish that can easily claim a spot on your dinner table.
Its comforting flavors, ease of preparation, and adaptability make it suitable for any occasion. With this recipe, you can whisk your loved ones off to the warmth of Italian cuisine without breaking a sweat.
So next time you're looking for a classic meal that brings everyone together, give this baked mostaccioli recipe a whirl. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Now, let's dive into the star of the show—baked mostaccioli. This dish combines tender pasta, a delightful medley of spices, and layers of cheese, all blanketed in a savory marinara sauce.
With its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, it’s going to make your mouth water long before the first bite.
Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
To ensure your mostaccioli turns out splendidly, consider these helpful suggestions:
Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to serve.
Martha Adams is a registered dietitian and the creator of Cheap Delicious Meals, a blog focused on making healthy, tasty, and affordable meals accessible to all. With over a decade of experience, Martha combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for budget-friendly cooking. Her goal is to inspire people to eat well without overspending.