Baked Mostaccioli is a classic Italian-American dish that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd. With tender pasta, a rich meat sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, this dish is a family favorite. It’s also a great make-ahead meal that can be frozen and reheated for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta (or penne)
- Salt, for pasta water
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)