Description

Hello, food enthusiasts! If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing comfort food recipe, look no further than this irresistible Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli with Meat Sauce. Perfect for dinner, this baked pasta dish is a cheesy, saucy masterpiece that’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of baked pasta dishes!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

16 oz mostaccioli pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Sauce:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Topping:

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional substitutions:

Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Substitute beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives.

Instructions

Step1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook mostaccioli in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step2: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef or sausage until browned.
Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and softened.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of Parmesan. Mix well.

Step4: Assemble and Bake

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step5: Cool and Serve

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
To make it vegetarian, skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.