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Baked Mostaccioli with Meat Sauce, Ricotta, and Mozzarella

A comforting and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines tender mostaccioli pasta with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Adds flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • 1 medium Onion Brings sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances the overall aroma and adds savory notes.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef A fantastic source of protein for a hearty meal.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Forms the base of the rich, flavorful sauce.
For the Pasta and Cheese
  • 12 ounces Mostaccioli Pasta A delicious shape that holds onto the sauce well.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Offers a creamy texture, adding richness without heavy cream.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Melts beautifully for a satisfying topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil for your mostaccioli.
  3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic while waiting for the water.
  4. Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
Cooking and Assembling
  1. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, simmer for 10 minutes, and season to taste.
  6. In the boiling water, cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and ricotta cheese.
  8. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, and top with shredded mozzarella.
Serving
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  3. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use lean ground beef, add Italian seasoning for extra flavor, and avoid overcooking the pasta. Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.