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+ servings
A casserole dish filled with bubbling baked pasta, showcasing the perfect blend of melted cheese and savory sauce.
5 from 1 vote

Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
This Baked Mostaccioli Recipe features tender pasta baked with savory Italian sausage, ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese for a hearty, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
  • ½ pound ground Italian sausage
  • ½ pound 90/10 ground beef
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion approximately 1 medium onion
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 24-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Minced fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the mostaccioli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.

Prepare the Meat and Aromatics

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, cooking until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently until the onion is softened and fragrant, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Make the Sauce

  1. Stir the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and heavy cream into the skillet. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the drained mostaccioli pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly. Ensure the pasta is thoroughly mixed with the sauce for the best flavor distribution.

Assemble the Dish

  1. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the pasta completely. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent sticking.

Bake the Casserole

  1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Garnish and Serve

  1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle freshly minced parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the mostaccioli pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and any seasonings you use are certified gluten-free, as some products may contain gluten or cross-contamination risks.
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