Baked Mostaccioli Recipe Ingredients:
- 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)
Directions:
- 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.