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.