Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Description
- Baked Mostaccioli is a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring tube-shaped pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce, layered with gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection. It’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or special occasions. This dish is similar to baked ziti but uses mostaccioli pasta, which is smooth or ridged and holds sauce beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 lb (16 oz) mostaccioli pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
1 egg (if using ricotta, helps bind)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add mostaccioli pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well.
Mix in sugar (if using), basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture (Optional but Recommended)
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with one beaten egg.
Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce.
Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.
If using the ricotta mixture, spread it evenly over the pasta.
Add another layer of sauce, then the remaining pasta.
Top with the rest of the sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Mostaccioli
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Nutritional Information (Per serving, based on 8 servings and using beef, ricotta, and full cheese portions)
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~8g
Cholesterol: ~60mg
Sodium: ~800mg
Fiber: ~5g
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
FAQs (Questions & Answers)
1. Can I make Baked Mostaccioli ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed but add an extra 10 minutes if baking from cold.
2. Can I freeze Baked Mostaccioli?
Absolutely! After assembling, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
3. What is the difference between Mostaccioli and Penne?
Mostaccioli is a smooth (or ridged) tube-shaped pasta, while penne has ridges and is slightly smaller. They can be used interchangeably.
4. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
5. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) and avoid overbaking. The pasta will absorb some sauce, so slightly undercooking it is best.
6. What are some good side dishes for Baked Mostaccioli?
Serve it with garlic bread, a simple Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of sautéed greens.
7. Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes! Use your favorite marinara or pasta sauce to save time. Just ensure it’s thick and flavorful.