Andy'S Cheesy Mostaccioli
A hearty, cheesy mostaccioli casserole featuring tender pasta, savory beef, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package directions; drain.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium nonstick skillet, cook and stir the hamburger over medium-high heat until browned.
- Remove from heat and pour off drippings.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, condensed Cheddar cheese soup, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a greased 4-quart baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sauce mixture, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or cream to the cheese mixture. You can substitute the ground hamburger with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the flavor and nutrition. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and try incorporating other cheeses like Parmesan for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy mostaccioli with a side salad, like Maurice Salad, for a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables can complement the dish as well. For a heartier meal, pair with a meat dish such as Duggins Beef Roast to satisfy larger appetites.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Andy'S Cheesy Mostaccioli contains roughly 728 calories, with 46g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (101% of the Daily Value), protein (92% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mostaccioli and sauce mixture ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the cheesy mostaccioli?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, or bake from frozen, adding additional time.
What can I substitute for the Cheddar cheese soup?
If you don't have Cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can use a homemade cheese sauce made from melted cheddar cheese and a bit of milk as a substitute. Alternatively, a cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can also work, but adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain flavor balance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).