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Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to understand the star of the dish: mostaccioli. Mostaccioli are tubular pasta shaped similarly to penne but with a smooth surface, unlike the ridges found on rigatoni. This unique shape allows mostaccioli to hold onto sauces beautifully, making each bite a delightful explosion of flavor.

Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli | The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Families!

Elevate your family dinners with this comforting Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli recipe! This delicious baked pasta dish combines hearty mostaccioli pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses to create a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It's easy to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies, making it versatile and fun to prepare. Dive into a world of flavor and warmth—your taste buds will thank you! #CheesyBakedMostaccioli #ComfortFood #PastaLovers #EasyRecipes #PastaDishes #HomeCooking #FamilyMeals
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Ingredients
  

1 pound mostaccioli pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce

1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

        Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

          Combine Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture until well combined and heated through.

            Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mostaccioli with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir well to coat all the pasta.

              Layer the Dish: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the mostaccioli mixture evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, then layer the remaining mostaccioli on top. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese.

                Bake: Cover the 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 brown.

                  Serve: Let the cheesy baked mostaccioli cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6-8