Easy Baked Mostaccioli Casserole Recipe

Kim
Oct 13
4 min read

If you love Italian recipes filled with rich sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese, this Mostaccioli Casserole is one to keep on repeat. It’s a hearty, comforting dish made with red and green peppers, savory meat, and a flavorful tomato base. Topped with plenty of gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that makes the whole family happy.

A bubbling pan of Mostaccioli Casserole coming out of the oven feels like pure comfort. The aroma of Italian seasoning, green pepper, mingling in a rich tomato sauce and lots of cheese fills the kitchen with warmth. Whether it’s served for Sunday dinner or a night in, this classic Italian dish brings everyone to the table with a smile.

This recipe comes from my friend and neighbor! I like when she writes on the recipe cards when she finds a good one and trust me, this pasta bake is a good one. It comes together easily and is perfect as a weeknight meal!

What You Need

Ground Beef
Mostaccioli Pasta
Green Bell Pepper or Red Bell Pepper
Onion
Tomatoes
Tomato Paste
Oregano
Garlic Powder
Italian Seasoning
Salt
Black Pepper
Velveeta Cheese
Parmesan Cheese

Tips for Making Mostaccioli Casserole

Choose mostaccioli pasta or penne pasta, and cook it just to al dente so it stays firm after baking.
Spicy Italian Sausage (hot Italian sausage) may replace the ground beef or a combination of the two is also delicious.
Heavy Whipping Cream may be added to the meat mixture if you like a creamy sauce.
Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking so the layers hold together perfectly when served.
Shredded Velveeta cheese can be found with other shredded cheeses at most major grocery stores.
Not a fan of Velveeta cheese, replace it with Mozzarella cheese (but it is delicious with the Velveeta cheese!).

Other Delicious Weeknight Dinners

Italian Roast Beef Sandwich Italian Sausage & Pasta Soup Chicken Noodle Casserole

How to Make Mostaccioli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Clean and chop into small pieces one medium green or red pepper (or a combination of both) and one medium onion and set aside. Cook 16 ounces mostaccioli noodles according to package directions and set aside.

Chopped Green Pepper & Onion ready for skillet.

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add bell peppers and onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until done remove excess fat from pan.

Green Pepper, Onion, and Ground Beef cooking.

Step 3: Add one can (28 ounces) tomatoes and one can (6 ounces) tomato paste to the meat mixture and stir well. Add1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and mix well. Allow the meat sauce to simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Layer the cooked noodles in the prepared pan, followed by the meat sauce. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Velveeta cheese. Repeat the layers once more. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Top with fresh basil or fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Above Left: Mostaccioli pasta and meat sauce in casserole dish. Above Middle: Cheese added and ready to bake. Above Right: Baked Mostaccioli Casserole.

How to Store Mostaccioli Casserole

To store Mostaccioli Casserole, let it cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. If reheating a single serving, the microwave works great for a quick meal that still tastes delicious.

Once baked, the cheese turns golden and bubbly, and the aroma fills your kitchen with pure comfort. This simple baked Mostaccioli Casserole is one of those Italian recipes that brings everyone to the table.

Whether you’re sharing it with family, taking it to a gathering, or adding it to your list of any day recipes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that fits right alongside your favorite pesto sauce, sausage-stuffed ravioli, or spaghetti pasta dishes. Serve with a salad or warm bread for a complete meal that celebrates home cooking. This won't be your finest Italian masterpiece, but it is family friendly and delicious! Give it a try because it is Forkin' Good!

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