Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting and hearty pasta dish that combines rich marinara sauce, savory ground meat, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Mostaccioli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Mostaccioli pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the meat. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: In a large bowl, mix the cooked Mostaccioli pasta with the meat sauce. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, tossing until evenly coated.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Add the Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 6 people. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 30 minutes, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes.
Variations & Tips
- Lighten It Up: Substitute ground turkey and use part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan for a lighter version.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake. It’s also freezer-friendly for an easy meal later.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, making for a delicious encore meal.
10 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives. - What can I serve with Baked Mostaccioli?
A side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with this dish. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. - Can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the meat with a mix of vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives. - How do I know when it’s done baking?
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown. - Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce adds a personal touch. - How long does it take to reheat?
In the oven, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Microwave times may vary. - Can I add spices for more flavor?
Feel free to add red pepper flakes, oregano, or thyme to enhance the flavor. - Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. - What’s the calorie count per serving?
Approximately 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
Baked Mostaccioli is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines pasta, savory meat, and a rich tomato sauce topped with gooey cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy a warm, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table!
Print
Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
This hearty Baked Mostaccioli combines tender pasta with a savory meat sauce and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Mostaccioli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Mostaccioli pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: In a large bowl, mix the cooked Mostaccioli with the meat sauce. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, tossing until evenly coated.
- Prepare to Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Lighten It Up: Use ground turkey and part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan for a lighter version.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Make Ahead: Prepare ahead of time and refrigerate, or freeze for later.
- Reheating: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes