Mostaccioli Bake

Dive into comfort food bliss with this hearty Mostaccioli Bake, a crowd-pleasing casserole brimming with robust Italian flavors. Tender mostaccioli pasta is enveloped in a rich and savory meat sauce made with ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara, and aromatic herbs. A luscious layer of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheeses creates a decadent, bubbly topping in every bite. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, this dish is easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, making it an ideal option for weeknight family dinners or a standout addition to a potluck. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and serve warm for a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Keywords: Mostaccioli Bake recipe, Italian casserole, pasta bake, cheesy pasta dish, easy dinner ideas, comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 14.5 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the meat sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the surface.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2876.1 grams (2876.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4121

Total Fat 256.50g	329%
Saturated Fat 109.80g	549%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.60g
Cholesterol 849mg	283%
Sodium 7624mg	331%
Total Carbohydrate 222.80g	81%
Dietary Fiber 21.50g	77%
Total Sugars 43.30g
Protein 246.40g	493%

Vitamin D 91IU	454%
Calcium 3334mg	256%
Iron 23mg	130%
Potassium 3462mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.2%

Protein: 23.5%

Carbs: 21.3%