Baked Mostaccioli

Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of tender mostaccioli pasta, savory meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses makes this dish irresistibly satisfying. Whether you use ground beef or Italian sausage, this hearty baked pasta will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 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 is translucent.
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix well.
5. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then spread the ricotta cheese evenly on top.
6. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer, then add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

• Meat Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef or sausage.
• Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Cheese Choices: For an extra cheesy dish, try adding shredded provolone or gouda.
• Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a hint of spice.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze baked mostaccioli for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil before freezing.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute mostaccioli with penne, ziti, or rigatoni for similar results.
3. Is there a substitute for ricotta cheese?
   You can use cottage cheese or even a béchamel sauce as a substitute for ricotta.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
   Absolutely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would make a great addition.
6. What’s the difference between mostaccioli and penne?
   Mostaccioli is similar to penne but is traditionally smooth on the outside, while penne is ridged.
7. Can I make this without meat?
   Yes, you can make it entirely vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables.
8. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in two dishes if you’re serving a larger crowd.
9. What should I serve with baked mostaccioli?
   Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
10. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
    Yes, store-bought marinara works perfectly in this recipe. You can also make your own for a more homemade touch.

Conclusion

Baked Mostaccioli is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and layers of melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with different meats or vegetables, and makes for a fantastic meal whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion. Serve this cheesy delight with a side of garlic bread, and you’re guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!

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