Description
This Baked Mostaccioli is a cheesy and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella make this recipe a comfort food classic. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Pair it with garlic bread and a side salad for the ultimate Italian feast!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and mix well.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Evenly layer the ricotta cheese on top.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
This Baked Mostaccioli is great for large gatherings and family meals. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef or sausage. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes