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