Baked Mostaccioli Recipe | Easy Baked Pasta

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pasta Dish

• Comfort Food Delight. The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and melted cheese makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
• Easy to Make. With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser. This dish is always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dinners.

Baked Mostaccioli delivers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each bite is a delightful combination of tender pasta, rich sauce, melted cheese, and, if included, savory meat.

The baked dish is warming and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a hearty meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

While Baked Mostaccioli and Baked Ziti are very similar in terms of ingredients, preparation, and overall flavor, the main difference lies in the type of pasta used.

Both dishes are comforting, hearty, and delicious Italian-American casseroles that can often be used interchangeably in recipes.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Mostaccioli Pasta- The star of the dish, providing a tender and slightly chewy base.
• Olive Oil- Keeps the pasta from sticking and adds a rich flavor.
• Salt- Enhances the natural flavors of the pasta.
• Ground Beef- Adds hearty flavor and protein to the sauce.
• Onion- Provides a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
• Garlic- Adds aromatic depth and a hint of spice.
• Tomato Sauce- Creates a rich, tangy foundation for the meat sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes- Adds texture and a fresh tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning- A blend of herbs that infuses the sauce with traditional Italian flavors.
• Salt and Pepper- Enhances and balances the flavors of the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes- Adds a subtle kick of heat.
• Mozzarella Cheese- Melts beautifully, creating a gooey and delicious topping.
• Parmesan Cheese- Adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the dish.

1. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Add Tomatoes. Stir in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Layer the Cheese. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake the Mostaccioli. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Enjoy. Let the baked mostaccioli cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Creating the perfect baked mostaccioli can be straightforward with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Cook Pasta Al Dente. Pasta continues to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it ensures it doesn't become mushy.
• Drain Excess Fat. After browning the ground beef and sausage, drain the fat before adding other ingredients.
• Let It Rest. Let the baked mostaccioli sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations

Baked Mostaccioli is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Vegetarian- Sauté the vegetables until tender before mixing them with the pasta and sauce.
• Four-Cheese- Add a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheeses.
• Spicy- Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by adding more or less chili.

Baked mostaccioli pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Garlic Bread- The perfect accompaniment for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Salad- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables- Adds a healthy, colorful side to your meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze baked mostaccioli. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. For even easier reheating, consider freezing in individual portions.

Freeze the leftover baked pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More Hearty Dishes

• Calzone Recipe
• Blueberry Cinnamon Roll
• Peruvian Chicken Thighs
• Galinhada
• Sloppy Joes

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