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Baked Mostaccioli Recipe


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  • Author: Lina Judi
  • 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