Description
Baked Mostaccioli delivers classic Italian comfort with hearty pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheese layers. Pasta lovers will savor this satisfying casserole that brings warmth and depth to family dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) mostaccioli pasta (uncooked)
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground meat (beef or Italian sausage)
- 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups (226 grams) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup (100 grams) Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add mostaccioli pasta and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, approximately 8-10 minutes, following package instructions. Thoroughly drain the pasta and set aside.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, typically 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce ground meat to the skillet, browning thoroughly and breaking into small crumbles. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring no pink remains. Carefully drain excess fat from the pan.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Gently fold in of shredded mozzarella cheese and of grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Generously top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the surface for an extra flavor boost.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown, slightly crispy top with bubbling edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5-7 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy pasta dish.
Notes
- Cooking this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into a comforting family favorite with minimal kitchen stress.
- Pasta absorbs rich meat sauce beautifully, creating layers of incredible flavor in every single bite.
- Cheese melts into golden, crispy edges that make everyone at the table crave seconds immediately.
- Preparing ahead works wonderfully – refrigerate assembled casserole and bake when ready to serve hot meals.
- Leftover portions reheat perfectly in microwave or oven, maintaining delicious taste and texture for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 577 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 788 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 76 mg