Ingredients:
1 pound mostaccioli pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups ricotta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Meat Mixture:
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add Sauces and Seasonings:
Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Mostaccioli:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta layer, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
Top with the remaining pasta mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the baked mostaccioli from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your delicious, comforting Baked Mostaccioli!
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8