Absolutely! Let’s dive into the scrumptious world of “Cheesy Mostaccioli”! 🧀🍝 This delightful recipe is a true gem from an old Pampered Chef cookbook, offering simplicity and a dish that even the pickiest of eaters (hello, kids!) will adore. The best part? It freezes like a dream, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without the fuss. Whether you’re a cheese lover, a pasta enthusiast, or just someone looking for a hearty, comforting meal, this Cheesy Mostaccioli is sure to become a family favorite. 🌟
Recipe: Cheesy Mostaccioli
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 – 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare the Pasta: Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse and drain the pasta. 🍝 |
| 2 | Cook the Ground Beef: In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, cook and stir the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. 🥩 |
| 3 | Add Flavorful Touches: To the cooked beef, add the ground black pepper, spaghetti sauce, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined. 🌿 |
| 4 | Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the sauce mixture. Mix in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese. 🧀 |
| 5 | Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 4-quart baking dish and transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into it. Spread it out evenly. 🍲 |
| 6 | Add More Cheese! Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta in the baking dish. More cheese = more deliciousness! 🧀 |
| 7 | Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the Cheesy Mostaccioli for about 40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly. 😍 |
| 8 | Serve and Enjoy! Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. 🥗🥖 |
Note:
- Freezing Instructions: If you want to make this ahead for a busy day, follow the recipe up to step 6. Instead of baking, seal the baking dish with foil or transfer the pasta into a zip-top bag. Pop it into the freezer.
- To Serve from Freezer: Simply thaw the Cheesy Mostaccioli in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it as directed in step 7 until it’s heated through and the cheese is irresistibly gooey. 😋
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 492
- Total Fat: 22.1g
- Saturated Fat: 10.5g
- Cholesterol: 80.8mg
- Sodium: 650.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 43.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 5.5g
- Protein: 28.1g
There you have it, a delightful Cheesy Mostaccioli recipe that’s perfect for those cozy family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its comforting flavors, gooey cheese, and hearty pasta, it’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy! 🍽✨
