This Baked Mostaccioli recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, hearty meat sauce and a decadent layer of melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special gatherings. Simple to prepare, this baked pasta dish is loaded with flavors of tangy marinara, savory ground beef, and creamy mozzarella, all baked to perfection. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Mix the Ricotta Cheese:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until fully mixed and smooth.
- Assemble the Baked Mostaccioli:
- In a large baking dish (9×13 inches), layer half of the cooked mostaccioli pasta.
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the sauce.
- Add the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake the Mostaccioli:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the baked mostaccioli rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy!