Cheesy Peppered Mostaccioli Bake: A Comforting Family Favorite 🧀🌶️
Certainly! Let’s dive into the savory world of Baked Mostaccioli with Peppers. This dish is a delightful blend of hearty ground beef, aromatic onions, and vibrant peppers, all nestled in a cozy bed of pasta and gooey cheese. With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Here’s everything you need to know to whip up this delicious dish in your own kitchen:
Baked Mostaccioli with Peppers Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 3 peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and toasty when it’s time to bake your mostaccioli.
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Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onion, slice the peppers, and measure out the cheeses, oregano, and pasta sauce.
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Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink and has a lovely caramelized exterior.
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Add the Aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and sliced peppers. Stir everything together and let them cook until they’re softened and fragrant, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
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Season and Sauce: Sprinkle in the dried oregano for a burst of herbaceous goodness. Then, pour in the pasta sauce, along with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
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Combine with Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked mostaccioli pasta to the skillet, stirring until it’s coated in the savory sauce. Then, sprinkle in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt and meld with the other ingredients.
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Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the flavorful mixture to a 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure that every bite is packed with deliciousness.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish, creating a cheesy crust that will turn golden and bubbly in the oven.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and dig in to enjoy the comforting flavors of Baked Mostaccioli with Peppers!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 406.7
- Fat: 18.5g
- Saturated Fat: 7.3g
- Cholesterol: 46.9mg
- Sodium: 736.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 39.4g
- Fiber: 2.6g
- Sugar: 11.3g
- Protein: 20.5g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add extra veggies, such as mushrooms or zucchini, or spice it up with some crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
So there you have it! A delectable recipe for Baked Mostaccioli with Peppers that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this dish hits all the right notes with its hearty flavors and cheesy goodness. Give it a try and let your taste buds rejoice! 🍝🧀
