Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Cheesy baked mostaccioli is a comforting pasta dish that features mostaccioli noodles (a type of pasta similar to penne) combined with a rich tomato sauce, a blend of cheeses, and often some ground meat or vegetables. The dish is typically baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a delicious, hearty meal.

Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz mostaccioli pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked mostaccioli with the meat sauce mixture. Then, add the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to combine.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Top with half of the remaining mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve warm.

Enjoy!

This cheesy baked mostaccioli is perfect for a cozy dinner and is sure to please both kids and adults alike!