Mostaccioli Casserole
A hearty and cheesy pasta casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute the hamburger, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and diced celery until the meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Mix in spaghetti sauce and tomato sauce with the cooked meat and vegetables.
- Add oregano, basil, and a little brown sugar if desired. Blend the cheeses together.
- Cook the mostaccioli noodles until tender, then drain.
- Combine cooked noodles with the meat and sauce mixture, then layer with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil directly to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey for hamburger for a lighter option or use gluten-free mostaccioli for a gluten-free dish. If you have leftover cheeses from Jackie'S Scrumptiously Delicious Easy Gourmet Hot Cheese Dip, feel free to blend them in for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Mostaccioli Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, such as Inspiration Salad, and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier side, consider serving it alongside Hot Three Bean Salad. It's perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or meal prep for the week.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the cheese doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli Casserole contains roughly 476 calories, with 29g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), protein (57% of the Daily Value), and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it completely and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it the next day. You may need to increase the baking time by a few minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the Mostaccioli Casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of Mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have Mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to achieve that gooey texture.
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).