Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, as it reheats beautifully.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
• One-Dish Wonder: It’s a full, satisfying meal with minimal side dishes needed.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook Meat Mixture:
   • In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
   • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Sauces and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
   • Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate.
   • Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Mostaccioli:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
   • Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer and spread evenly.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
   • Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the baked mostaccioli rest for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Use plant-based meat alternatives if desired.
• Spicy: Opt for spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Cheese Swap: Use provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or grated carrots to the sauce for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Cool the baked mostaccioli completely, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. For frozen mostaccioli, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or ziti are great substitutes for mostaccioli.

2. How can I make this dish lighter?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat ricotta, and reduce the cheese topping.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What should I serve with baked mostaccioli?

Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

5. Can I skip the ricotta cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture.

6. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta until al dente and avoid overbaking the dish.

7. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meat and add vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.

8. How long should I let it rest before serving?

Allow the baked mostaccioli to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

9. Can I add more cheese?

Of course! Feel free to add as much cheese as you like for extra indulgence.

10. Is it okay to use store-bought sauce?

Yes, jarred marinara sauce works perfectly, but you can make homemade if you prefer.

Conclusion

Baked Mostaccioli is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Its hearty layers of pasta, meat sauce, and gooey cheese create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Mostaccioli is the ultimate Italian-American comfort food, featuring tender pasta layered with a hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this baked pasta dish is customizable, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly delicious!

 

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Ingredients

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook mostaccioli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned.
   • Add diced onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
   • Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
   • Season with Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   • Mix cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Add a layer of ricotta, spreading evenly, followed by half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
   • Top with the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Bake:
   • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Let rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve.

Notes

• Substitute cottage cheese or mascarpone for ricotta if preferred.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers for more nutrients.
• For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian