Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli is a comforting Italian baked pasta dish featuring tube-shaped noodles layered with savory ground beef, rich homemade tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses. It's a crowd-pleaser that suits family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the mostaccioli noodles according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the hamburger meat with pepper and garlic.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cooked noodles, browned meat, Romano cheese, Provolone cheese, tomato sauce, and cottage cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and cover it with foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of ricotta cheese alongside the cottage cheese. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the hamburger for a lighter option. If you prefer a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. This dish can be easily adapted with different cheeses, similar to recipes like Easy Lasagne.
Serving Suggestions
Serve mostaccioli with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes that feature rich tomato sauces. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables to add color and nutrients to your plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli contains roughly 862 calories, with 30g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and iron (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1467mg per serving (64% 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 mostaccioli ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze mostaccioli?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and it may take a little longer to cook from frozen, so be sure to check the internal temperature.
What can I use instead of Romano cheese?
If you don't have Romano cheese, you can substitute it with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. Both will provide a similar salty, nutty flavor that complements the dish well.
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).