Baked Mostaccioli

Baked Mostaccioli

My Italian neighbor showed me this dish and we knew we had to get the recipe!

Oh, Mostaccioli! This humble pasta dish truly captures the heart with its simple charm and proudly

stands out among its more familiar pasta relatives. Hailing from the culinary paradise of Italy,

Mostaccioli proves that even the simplest pasta can be transformed into a feast for the senses. With

its tubular and ridged shape, it is perfectly designed to hold every drop of sauce and melted cheese,

making every bite a delicious explosion of flavor.Baked mostaccioli is not just a dish; It’s a warm hug

on a plate, ideal for any occasion that calls for comforting, uncomplicated food. It’s my go-to dish for

potlucks, family dinners, or those evenings when you’re craving something deliciously cozy. Not only

is it filling, but it also has the magical ability to taste even better the next day and turn your lunchbox

into a treasure chest of joy.

To balance the rich, hearty flavor of baked mostaccioli, a crisp green salad is the perfect

accompaniment. A Caesar or arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette highlights the richness

beautifully.And what would a pasta evening be without the obligatory garlic bread? It’s a true carb

feast and we’re here for it!

Baked Mostaccioli

Ingredients:

1 pound mostaccioli pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 jar (24 ounces) 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 to 375°F (190°C) to prepare the magic.

Pasta preparation: Cook mostaccioli in salted water until al dente, then drain.

Fry: Heat olive oil in a frying pan and fry the onion and garlic until soft.

Brown the meat: Add the meat of your choice to the pan and cook until no longer pink. Drain off

excess fat.Simmer sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the meat and let the flavors blend together for a

few minutes.

Combine: Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.

Baking: Place in a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with Italian spices. Bake for

25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Rest and serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving and garnish with fresh basil if

desired.Variations and Tips:

Lighten it up with ground turkey and low-fat cheese.

Adventure with roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Prepare a simple meal in advance; It can even be frozen for future dinners.

Allowing the dish to rest after baking guarantees perfect serving and perfect flavor integration.

Leftovers reheats well and offers a delicious addition from the night before.Baked mostaccioli is more

than just a meal; It’s a testament to the joy of good, simple food shared with loved ones. Dive into this

dish and let its comforting embrace and delicious flavors bring the taste of Italy straight to your table.

For more recipes click here

Thank you for follow me on facebook