Baked Mostaccioli

Baked Mostaccioli is a simple yet flavorful Italian-American dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With tender pasta coated in rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground meat, and a blend of gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Baked until golden brown and bubbly, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra burst of freshness, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’s both hearty and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s a pasta bake loaded with cheese and a hearty meat sauce. Need we say more?
Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors and cheesy layers, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for leftovers and freezes well, making it a great option for busy weeks.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the ground meat or tweak the cheeses to suit your taste.

Key Ingredients:

Mostaccioli Pasta: If you can’t find mostaccioli, don’t worry. Penne or rigatoni will work just as well, as they also have a tube shape that grabs onto the sauce.
Ground Meat: Ground beef is the traditional option, but Italian sausage adds a savory, spiced twist. You can even use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is a go-to for that classic cheesy pull, you can mix in provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile. Add some ricotta into the mix for an extra creamy texture.
Marinara Sauce: Pick a marinara sauce that you love since it’s the base of the dish. You could also go homemade if you have a favorite recipe.
Vegetarian Version: Want to skip the meat? Substitute the ground meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed baked mostaccioli.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Mostaccioli

Boil Water:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

Cook the Pasta:
Add mostaccioli (or your preferred tubular pasta) to the boiling water.
Cook according to the package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite), usually around 8-10 minutes.

Drain the Pasta:
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Sauté Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Cook the Ground Meat:
Add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet.
Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Drain the Grease:
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid an oily sauce.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce

Add Marinara Sauce:
Pour 3 cups of marinara sauce into the skillet with the browned meat. Stir well to combine.

Simmer:
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Mix the Pasta and Sauce

Combine Pasta and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mostaccioli with the meat sauce.

Add Cheese:
Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and cheese.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Add Italian Seasoning:
Lightly sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the cheese for extra flavor.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the Pasta:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve

Let it Rest:
Allow the baked mostaccioli to rest for a few minutes before serving to help the flavors settle.

Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired for added freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions:

This baked mostaccioli is a filling dish on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few side dishes:

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing makes a great complement to the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Try serving with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a lighter touch.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftover baked mostaccioli in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.

Freeze: This dish freezes well! Assemble the pasta, but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Meal Prep Tip: You can also make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. This makes assembling the dish a breeze on busy nights.

Recipe Variations:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a delicious meat-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
Creamy Twist: Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese with the mozzarella for an extra creamy texture.

Conclusion:

This Baked Mostaccioli is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and comforting. It’s an easy dish to whip up on a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve for a family dinner or potluck. With its rich meat sauce, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this is one of those recipes that will become a regular in your meal rotation.