Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Baked Mostaccioli, featuring RAGÚ®Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce. This delightful dish is generously loaded with gooey, melted cheeses and packed with a robust meat flavor, making it a guaranteed family favorite any night of the week!
Embracing the Cozy Comfort of Baked Mostaccioli
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, warm meal to chase away the chill of a rainy, gloomy day. As the seasons shift and the air grows crisp, my kitchen eagerly anticipates the return of bubbling casseroles, warming soups, and, of course, classic pasta dishes. Baked Mostaccioli stands out as a quintessential comfort food, hitting just the right spot with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for a cozy evening at home. Planning ahead for these comforting meals often starts early for me, and I frequently find inspiration on the RAGÚ Pasta Sauce Recipes page, ensuring our menu is packed with delicious, easy-to-prepare options.
While summer days call for quick, light meals like grilled burgers or refreshing cold sandwiches, the cooler months beckon for robust, hot dishes. This is the season when food truly becomes a source of deep comfort and joy, bringing families together around the dinner table. And when it comes to creating those cherished moments, a dish like Baked Mostaccioli, brimming with savory meat and an abundance of melted cheese, is simply unbeatable, promising warmth and satisfaction with every forkful.
The Art of Pasta: Homemade Passion Meets Everyday Convenience
My love affair with pasta runs deep. I’ve spent countless hours crafting homemade fettuccine, ravioli, and gnocchi in my kitchen, often using the wonderful Kitchenaid attachment my dad gifted me years ago. It’s a true labor of love, a meditative process that yields incredibly fresh and tender results. The aroma of freshly made pasta filling the house is an experience in itself, a culinary journey from simple ingredients to a gourmet meal.
However, let’s be honest: life moves fast. While I cherish those moments of culinary artistry, the reality is that boxed pasta often saves the day. My pantry is always stocked with a variety of pasta shapes, from classic spaghetti to sturdy mostaccioli, because convenience is key for busy weeknights. The beauty lies in knowing that whether I’m making pasta from scratch or reaching for a box, the foundation of a fantastic meal often comes down to a truly exceptional sauce. And with the right sauce, even a quick-prep meal can taste like it took hours to simmer, blending the best of both worlds – homemade quality with everyday simplicity.
Nostalgia on a Plate: Childhood Memories and Family Dinner Traditions
Baked Mostaccioli holds a special place in my heart, deeply intertwined with my childhood memories. Growing up, it was a weekly ritual to order this delicious dish from our favorite local restaurant. The anticipation of that cheesy, meaty pasta was always a highlight, and the flavor was absolutely unforgettable. My mom, sister, and I recently revisited that same restaurant after more than a decade, and to our delight, it tasted just as magical as it did all those years ago. It’s incredible how certain foods can transport you back in time, evoking a flood of cherished moments and familiar comforts, reminding us of simpler times and shared joys.
More than just the taste, that baked mostaccioli symbolized the heart of our family dinners. It was around the dinner table that we truly connected. We’d gather, passing around bowls of crisp salad, warm garlic bread, and, of course, the star of the show – the bubbling pasta dish. It was a time for storytelling, recounting the day’s events, sharing laughter, and simply being present with one another. Mornings were a whirlwind of activity, afternoons were dedicated to homework and extracurriculars, and evenings after dinner often meant winding down. But the dinner table was our sacred space, where conversations flowed freely, and our family bonds were strengthened. These moments, filled with food and fellowship, are the true treasures of life, shaping who we are and the values we hold dear.
Continuing the Tradition: Cooking for My Own Family
Now, as a mother myself, I find immense joy in continuing these dinner traditions. Cooking dinner is more than just a task; it’s a passion. As a foodie and food blogger, being in the kitchen is second nature to me – a place where I can unwind and get creative (until I spot the inevitable pile of dishes, of course!). But the real magic happens when we all sit down together: my little ones sharing tales from preschool and first grade, my husband discussing his workday, and me recounting my latest culinary adventures. It’s during these meals that we pause, connect, and nourish not just our bodies, but our souls, creating new memories that my children will carry with them for years to come.
The RAGÚ Homestyle Difference: Uncompromising Flavor and Quality
While my dad’s homemade pasta sauce remains an unparalleled masterpiece – a labor of love simmered for at least two hours to develop its profound flavors – there are days when time simply isn’t on my side. For those busy evenings, I confidently reach for RAGÚ®Homestyle Thick & Hearty Sauces. And to be completely honest, they are, in my opinion, the absolute best store-bought pasta sauces available. What sets them apart? Their unwavering commitment to flavor and quality. These sauces are robust, incredibly flavorful, bold, and wonderfully thick, coating every piece of pasta with deliciousness. RAGÚ offers a fantastic variety of flavors, meaning you can say goodbye to boring pasta sauces and hello to exciting new dinner possibilities, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences!
Just like the cherished tradition of gathering around the family table, RAGÚ Homestyle sauces are simmered in a rich tradition of quality. A major win in my book is their dedication to using no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup. This commitment to wholesome ingredients means I can feel good about serving these sauces to my family, ensuring they get only the best. I initially fell in love with their Homestyle Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic Sauce, a personal favorite, but for this particular Baked Mostaccioli recipe, I wanted to try something new, opting for the RAGÚ®Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce to truly elevate the meaty essence of the dish. It proved to be an excellent choice, adding depth and richness that tasted as if it had been simmering all day, a testament to RAGÚ’s authentic approach.
Crafting the Perfect Baked Mostaccioli: Quick, Cheesy, and Meaty
The beauty of this Baked Mostaccioli recipe is its incredible efficiency without compromising on taste. On a day when I knew my family would be bursting through the door in about 45 minutes, hunger pangs guaranteed, I needed a delicious meal on the table fast. This recipe was my secret weapon, proving that you don’t need hours to create a deeply satisfying and comforting dish. I quickly gathered my ingredients: a selection of versatile meats from the fridge, a generous assortment of cheeses I could grate for that ultimate melt, and, of course, a trusty jar of RAGÚ®Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce, the cornerstone of this speedy yet flavorful meal.
The process was delightfully straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I quickly browned a savory combination of chorizo, pork, and beef until perfectly cooked, filling the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas that instantly signaled dinner was on its way. Then, the star ingredient – the RAGÚ meat sauce – was poured in, mingling beautifully with the browned meats, creating a rich, savory foundation. My husband, a true connoisseur of all things meaty, was certainly in for a treat! Next came the cheese, because what is Baked Mostaccioli without an abundance of gooey, melted goodness? I grated four different types of cheese, ensuring a complex and irresistible cheesy layer that would bubble and brown to perfection. About three-quarters of this glorious cheese mixture was stirred directly into the pot with the cooked mostaccioli pasta and rich meat sauce. This ensured every strand of pasta was coated in flavor and cheesy delight. Once combined, the mixture was transferred to a 9×13 baking dish, topped with the remaining cheese for a golden crust, and baked in the oven for a mere 35 minutes until bubbly and golden. A crucial step, often overlooked, is allowing it to cool slightly after baking; this resting period makes for much easier, cleaner serving and ensures the cheese sets just right, delivering that perfect cheesy pull.
A Family Favorite: Why This Baked Mostaccioli Delights Everyone
The verdict? This Baked Mostaccioli wasn’t just my favorite; my entire family absolutely adored it! My kids were over the moon for the irresistible ooey-gooey cheese, stretching delightfully with every bite and making mealtime an adventure. My husband, ever the meat-lover, thoroughly enjoyed the hearty, savory meat content, praising its rich flavor and satisfying texture. And me? I was simply happy watching them savor every mouthful, knowing I had created a delicious, comforting meal that brought smiles to their faces and filled our home with warmth. For those moments when you need a fantastic meal on the table without hours of preparation, RAGÚ®Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce truly comes to the rescue, transforming a simple pasta bake into an unforgettable family feast that tastes like pure love.
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Baked Mostaccioli
Prep Time
Cook Time
Total Time
Author
Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yields
10 -12 servings
Baked Mostaccioli is loaded with ooey-gooey cheeses and packed with meat thanks to RAGÚ® Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food any night of the week and sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium Vidalia onion, diced
- 12 ounces lean ground beef
- 16 ounces pork sausage (casings removed, if applicable)
- 7 ounces chorizo (casings removed, if applicable)
- 1 (23-ounce) jar RAGÚ Homestyle Thick and Hearty Meat Sauce
- 16 ounces mostaccioli pasta
- 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 ounces Asiago cheese, freshly grated
- 2 ounces Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 2 ounces low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces fresh Mozzarella cheese, grated or torn into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C) and lightly spray a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a separate large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package directions, approximately 8 minutes, or until al dente.
- To the garlic and onion in the first pot, add the ground beef, pork sausage, and chorizo. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until all meats are thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the 23-ounce jar of RAGÚ Homestyle Thick and Hearty Meat Sauce, ensuring it’s well combined with the browned meats. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer while you prepare the cheese.
- In a large bowl, grate and combine all five types of cheese: Parmesan, Asiago, Colby Jack, Mozzarella, and Fresh Mozzarella. Reserve approximately one-quarter of this cheese mixture for topping. Once the meat sauce has slightly cooled (to prevent the cheese from clumping), fold in the remaining three-quarters of the cheese mixture.
- Drain the cooked mostaccioli pasta and add it to the pot with the meat sauce and cheese. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
- Evenly sprinkle the reserved grated cheese mixture over the top of the pasta. Cover the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. For a golden-brown crust, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Remove the Baked Mostaccioli from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the cheese set and makes cutting into neat pieces much easier.
- Serve hot with a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Courses
Pasta, Main Course, Dinner
The RAGÚ Secret: Authentic Flavor Without the Shortcut Feel
My dad’s pasta sauce, a true masterpiece, demands a minimum of two hours of simmering, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen into something truly extraordinary. There are no shortcuts when it comes to that kind of authentic, slow-cooked richness. What consistently impresses me about RAGÚ®Homestyle Thick & Hearty Meat Sauce is that it captures a similar depth of flavor, making it feel like it, too, was crafted with immense love and care. It’s clear that no compromises were made in the RAGÚ kitchen, either, prioritizing quality ingredients and traditional simmering methods. This results in a superior, high-quality sauce that truly delivers on its promise of homestyle taste. It’s a remarkable achievement to offer such robust, authentic flavors in a convenient jar, making exceptional family meals accessible even on the busiest of days, without ever feeling like a shortcut.
Join the Conversation: Your Favorite Pasta Dishes & RAGÚ Discoveries!
Now, I’d love to hear from you! What’s your family’s go-to pasta dish for a cozy night in? Do you have a cherished pasta memory that always brings a smile to your face? And which RAGÚ Homestyle sauce are you most excited to try first from their incredible range of flavors? I’ve got my eye on their Four Cheese sauce next – I can only imagine the creamy deliciousness it would bring to our dinner table in a future pasta creation!
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