Easy Mostaccioli Recipe for a Large Family
This easy mostaccioli recipe for a large family is one of our favorite budget-friendly dinners.
Easy Mostaccioli Recipe for a Large Family
If you’re feeding a big family and need something that’s easy, filling, and budget-friendly, this mostaccioli recipe is one of my go-to meals.
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for dinners that don’t take a ton of effort but still feed everyone-and this one checks all the boxes.
This is the exact meal I make when I need something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to be eaten without complaints.
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Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 1–2 boxes of mostaccioli pasta (I used 3 to served 10 people w/leftovers)
- 1–2 lbs ground beef (or turkey) (1 used 2lbs of ground beef)
- 1 lb of Italian sausage
- 1 jar pasta sauce (I used 3 jars of Schnucks – Meat, Cheese and Gralic & Onion)
- 2 cans of Hunts (optional)
- 1 small onion (optional)
- Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, if baking)
Seasonings:
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning
- seasoning salt
- Tony Chachere’s Creole’ seasoning (not a lot- there is pepper & salt in here too)
- Onion Powder
Optional:
- 1 egg (for binding)
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(Everything I use in my kitchen)
9×13 baking dish (for mostaccioli)
How to Make Mostaccioli (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
Cook pasta slightly underdone (al dente).
Drain and set aside.
👉 If you cook for a big family like I do, using a large pot makes this much easier.
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2. Cook the Meat
Add ground beef and Italian sausage to a large pan.
Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Once browned:
- Season with Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, onion powder, and pepper
- Mix well
Drain excess grease.
Add your chopped onion and garlic if you’re using them, and cook until softened.
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3. Prep the Dish
Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil.
This is Optional or you can skip to step 4 and get the same results like in video.
Add Sauce & Seasoning
Pour in your pasta sauce and mix well.
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors come together.
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4. Layer the Mostaccioli
- Add 2–3 cups of pasta
- Add a layer of cooked meat
- Pour pasta sauce over top
- Sprinkle mozzarella + cheddar cheese
Repeat until dish is full and stir to mix fully. (I layer mines so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.)
TOP the final layer with Mild Cheddar Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese
At this point all contents are fully cooked and can be eaten but I take mines a step further and bake it.
Amazon Baking Dish Best for Layering
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 15–30 minutes (depending on dish size and depth) or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can add an egg and mix it in to bind it together and that will need to be cooked in the 25-40 minutes range
6. Serve
Let sit for a few minutes, then serve warm and enjoy 🍝
Watch It Come Together
Tips for Feeding a Large Family
- Double the recipe if needed—this dish reheats really well
- Use store-brand ingredients to keep it budget-friendly
- Add extra cheese if you want it more filling
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple salad
Kitchen Tools That Make This Easier
- Large cooking pot
- Non-stick skillet
- Baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👉 These are the basics I use to make meals like this quicker and easier.
Kitchen Must Haves for Easy Family Meals
More Easy Meal Ideas You’ll Love
- How I Plan Affordable Family Meals for the Week
- My Real Daily Routine as a Nurse and Mom of 8
- 12 Amazon Kitchen Gadgets That Actually Make Cooking Easier
How I Feed a Family of 10 Without Losing My Mind (Teen Edition) – ThriveTribeHome
How I Plan Affordable Family Meals for the Week – ThriveTribeHome
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple dinner that can feed a big family without a lot of stress, this mostaccioli recipe is one of the easiest meals to keep in rotation.
It’s quick, filling, and something everyone actually eats—which, let’s be honest, is the real win.