Mostaccioli is great to make ahead, and it reheats & freezes perfectly.
An Easy Casserole Recipe
A traditional pasta bake recipe (in this case, mostaccioli) is loaded with meat and cheese in a rich and hearty tomato sauce! It holds up well to meat-based sauces and creamy cheeses (like a mac and cheese sauce)! It’s great in soups as well. Howdy, Holly Nilsson
Ingredients
PASTA Of course we use Mostaccioli but penne is the perfect substitute. You can use any medium shaped pasta in this recipe. TOMATO SAUCE We use marinara sauce as the base with canned diced tomatoes for texture. A splash of cream softens the tang from the tomatoes and adds a bit of richness. MEAT Ground beef is our choice in this recipe as I almost always have it on hand. Italian sausage is a great substitute (or really any ground meat). You can even make this with meatballs if you have some! CHEESE We top this with mozzarella and parmesan. While I don’t recommend pre-shredded cheese for sauces, they’re a great time saver for topping cheesy casseroles.
Variations
Turkey, beef, or pork sausage can be added. For a vegetarian or meatless version, mix in a combination of diced veggies like chopped spinach, onions, diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, and/or eggplant. Add some ricotta cheese, and pop in the oven (we love ricotta in baked ziti too)!
How to Make Baked Mostaccioli
Make-Ahead (& Leftovers)
Prep and cover in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake for 45 minutes in a preheated oven. It can stay in the refrigerator for about 3 days before baking. Or, prep and freeze wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil for up to 3 months (make sure the date is labeled on the outside). Let the casserole thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. No time to thaw from frozen? Simply remove all the plastic wrap, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes and then remove the foil and bake another 20-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly!
More Pasta Bakes
Cheesy Ham Casserole – home-cooked comfort Easy Tuna Casserole – a reader favorite Easy Homemade Lasagna – classic Chicken Alfredo Bake – creamy delicious Mac and Cheese Casserole – my favorite Cheesy Chicken Casserole – easy prep
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