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Four Cheese Baked Mostaccioli

Four Cheese Baked Mostaccioli: A Cozy Family Favorite

Four Cheese Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting dish with layers of flavor, combining tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and four delightful cheeses.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Mostaccioli Pasta Substitute with penne rigate if preferred.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Can swap with ground turkey.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can be replaced with ground turkey or pork.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion No direct substitutions recommended.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Substitutable with half-and-half.
  • 28 ounces Petite Diced Tomatoes (canned) Fresh tomatoes can be used if available.
  • 6 ounces Tomato Paste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Or use individual Italian herbs.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can work if drained well.
  • 1 cup Shredded Parmesan Pecorino Romano can be used for a sharper flavor.
  • 4 ounces Goat Cheese Omit if uncertain about flavor.
  • 1 large Egg A flax egg is a great vegan substitute.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Topping
  • 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Melts beautifully on top.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather your ingredients.
  2. Cook the mostaccioli pasta in salted water for about 7-8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, sauté the Italian sausage and ground beef for 8-10 minutes until browned. Add chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Add petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning, then simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, ½ cup shredded Parmesan, goat cheese, beaten egg, and salt and pepper until smooth.
  6. Add the drained mostaccioli to the skillet and toss until well-coated.
  7. Layer half of the pasta and sauce, then half of the cheese mixture in greased baking dishes. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  8. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
  9. Sprinkle fresh mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or adjust the cheeses to customize this recipe.

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