Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Packed with flavor and topped with gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients:

• 12 oz mostaccioli pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

3. Combine Cheeses:

• In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with a little salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the Dish:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and meat sauce. Stir to combine.
• In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta and meat mixture. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top.
• Repeat with the remaining pasta and meat mixture, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture.

5. Add Cheese Topping:

• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

6. Bake:

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve:

• Let it cool for a few minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! You can freeze the assembled, uncooked dish and bake it later; just add extra time if baking from frozen.

Enjoy this delightful Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli as a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table!