My Italian neighbor showed me this dish, and we knew we had to snag the recipe!
Yield: 4
Materials
- 1 pound Mostaccioli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 24-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C) to get ready for the magic to happen.
- Pasta Prep: Boil Mostaccioli in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft.
- Brown the Meat: Add your choice of meat to the skillet, cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the meat, letting the flavors blend for a few minutes.
- Combine: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan.
- Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Lighten it up with ground turkey and part-skim cheese.
Try roasted veggies for extra taste and nutrients.
Prepare ahead of time for a simple supper that can even be frozen for later evenings.
Allowing the dish to rest after baking enables optimal serving and flavor integration.
Leftovers reheat wonderfully, providing a great reprise from the night before.
Baked Mostaccioli is more than simply a dinner; it exemplifies the joy of simple, delicious cuisine enjoyed with loved ones. Dive into this meal and let the cozy hug and exquisite tastes transport you to Italy.