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The Best Baked Mostaccioli

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The Best Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting, cheesy pasta bake made with tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and layers of gooey cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s a satisfying dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb mostaccioli pasta (or penne/ziti)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 3 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
  5. Stir in marinara, crushed tomatoes (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  6. Combine cooked pasta with most of the sauce, saving some for the top layer.
  7. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Add ricotta (if using), mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  8. Top with remaining pasta and reserved sauce. Sprinkle with more mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  10. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Mix ground beef and sausage for richer flavor.
  • Skip meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a vegetarian version.
  • Mix ricotta with an egg and Parmesan for a creamier texture.
  • Freeze in portions or as a full dish — reheat with extra sauce or water for moisture.
  • Top with fresh basil or red pepper flakes before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/the-best-baked-mostaccioli/