If you’re a fan of Italian flavors and cheesy goodness, the Mozzarella-Lover’s Mostaccioli Skillet with Ground Beef is your go-to for an easy dinner option.
This meal has hearty ground beef and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese, making it the perfect comfort food.
To make this recipe you’ll need: mostaccioli pasta, ground beef, spaghetti sauce, condensed cheddar cheese soup, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella cheese.
It’s easy to make, and all you need are a few basic ingredients that come together in one skillet.
Ideal for anyone craving Italian food without having to leave the house. It’s also family friendly!
Tips and Tricks
Pre-Cook Pasta: Cook the mostaccioli pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming too soft.
Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef until it’s nicely caramelized. This adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Drain Fat: After browning the beef, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Season Well: Don’t skimp on the Italian seasoning. Adjust the amount to suit your taste and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Layer the Cheese: For an extra cheesy experience, layer some of the mozzarella within the pasta, not just on top. This creates pockets of gooey cheese throughout the dish.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality mozzarella for the best melt and flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the skillet until the top is bubbly and golden brown. If the cheese isn’t browning, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end of baking.
Let It Rest: Allow the skillet to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This makes it easier to serve as the cheese sets slightly.
Related Recipes
Italian Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Italian Macaroni And Cheese
Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini
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Don’t have a Cast Iron Skillet? This is the one we use, and would recommend:
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Or to double or triple the recipe, click on the 2x or 3x next to “Ingredients”.
Mozzarella-Lover’s Mostaccioli Skillet with Ground Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounce) mostaccioli pasta
- 1½ pound lean ground beef
- 1 jar (28 ounce) spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (11 ounce) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1-1½ teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
- Cook the mostaccioli pasta as directed on the package for al dente. After cooking, rinse it with water and let it drain.
- Heat a large iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef in the skillet, stirring until it is completely browned. Once browned, drain off any excess fat.
- To the skillet with the beef, add the spaghetti sauce, cheddar cheese soup, ground black pepper, and dried Italian herb seasoning. Stir everything together until it is well mixed.
- In a large pasta pot, combine the cooked pasta, the sauce mixture from the skillet, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the mixed ingredients back into the iron skillet.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake the pasta in an oven preheated to 350°F for 40 minutes, or until everything is hot throughout.
Nutrition
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