Are you ready for a scrumptious pasta journey? If so, buckle up because we’re about to dive into one very tongue-tempting Bubbly Cheesy Mostaccioli Recipe! It’s a fan-favorite pasta dish that combines al dente mostaccioli pasta with a rich marinara sauce and molten melted cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for family gatherings, potluck dinners, or simply those times when you require a generous dose of cheesy goodness! This mouthwatering delight surely won’t disappoint with its creamy, meaty and hearty depth of flavors.
You’re gonna fall head over heels for this cheesy bake! The soft, luscious noodles, punctuated with a punch of tomato-y marinara and ooey-gooey cheese is a match made in food heaven. It is so darn good, folks. Plus, it’s an absolute cakewalk to cook. Let’s get to it.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 1 Bubbly Cheesy Mostaccioli
Right on! Now that we’re all geared up, let’s head straight to the kitchen, shall we?
Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need
- 1 lb Mostaccioli Pasta
- 1 jar Marinara Sauce (24 oz)
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Fresh Basil for garnish
You’ll also need a large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for cooking beef and an oven-proof dish for baking.
The Mostaccioli pasta is imperative! Being tube-shaped, it perfectly holds the sauce and cheese within each piece, delivering a burst of flavor in each bite. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan presents a luxuriously cheesy experience, while the ground beef adds a meaty depth to the dish. If you’re a vegetarian or just want to make it lighter, you may swap the beef with roasted veggies or tofu chunks.
How To Make Bubbly Cheesy Mostaccioli
- Preheat your oven to 350��F (175��C) and get a pot of water boiling for your pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente, following the package instructions. Drain it well.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, beef mixture, marinara sauce and half of both cheeses. Mix well to ensure every piece is nicely coated.
- Transfer this mix into a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Tips For The Best Results
- Do not overcook pasta. It will continue to cook in the oven.
- Try using freshly grated cheese for the best melt.
- You can sneak in some veggies, like bell peppers or olives, for additional flavors and nutrition.
Storage Tips
- Cool completely before storing leftovers. Refrigerate in a tightly sealed container for up to 4 days.
- For freezing, place in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Mostaccioli pasta?
A: Mostaccioli is a tubular pasta, similar in shape to penne pasta. It is used in a variety of dishes and is a staple of Italian-American cuisine.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
A: Sure! This recipe works well with other tube pastas like penne or rigatoni. However, the traditional mostaccioli does the trick best.
Q: What can I serve with Bubbly Cheesy Mostaccioli?
A: It’s a hearty dish in itself. But a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad perfectly complements this pasta bake.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Simply assemble the dish as per the instructions but refrain from baking it. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with veggies like bell peppers, eggplants, mushrooms or tofu.
Nutritional Facts of Bubbly Cheesy Mostaccioli
Approximately per serving:
Calories: 532
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 63g
Fat: 21g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 894mg
Remember these are just approximations and actual values may vary depending on exact measurements and specific ingredients used.
There you have it, folks! The Bubbly Cheesy Mostaccioli is a true crowd-pleaser and totally worth every bite. The best part is, it’s adaptable. Feel free to get creative and jazz it up with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy the comfort of this cheesy pasta dish with a side of garlic bread and a tossed green salad. Buon appetito!
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