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Baked Mostaccioli
Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting, cheesy pasta casserole featuring tender pasta mixed with a flavorful meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This Italian-American classic is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy weeknight meal.
- 1 lb mostaccioli pasta (uncooked)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground meat (beef or Italian sausage, depending on preference)
- 24 oz marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated (divided))
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- fresh basil (for garnish (optional))
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, add mostaccioli, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground meat and cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Add marinara sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for a few minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Mix cooked pasta with the sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.
- Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
