Baked mostaccioli is a classic Italian-American dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) mostaccioli pasta (or any similar tubular pasta)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24-26 ounces) of your favorite pasta sauce
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and pasta sauce. Stir until everything is well combined. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Then, add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the foil and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked mostaccioli!
Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Enjoy your meal!
