Baked Mostaccioli

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Savory Start: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich and savory meat sauce.
3. Pasta Perfection: Combine the cooked mostaccioli pasta with the prepared meat sauce, ensuring an even coating of the pasta with the luscious sauce.
4. Cheesy Layers: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, create the first layer by spreading half of the saucy mostaccioli. Top it with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses.
5. Repeat and Finish: Repeat the layering process with the remaining mostaccioli and cheese. The final layer should be a lavish topping of mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a golden and gooey crown.
6. Bake to Melty Bliss: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The inviting aroma will signal that your Baked Mostaccioli is reaching pasta perfection.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the Baked Mostaccioli rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Slice and serve this delightful creation to eager and delighted guests.

Cook Notes:

• For a meatier option, consider adding cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground pork to the meat sauce.
• Enhance the sauce’s depth of flavor by incorporating a splash of red wine during the simmering process.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini to the sauce for a veggie-packed delight.
2. Three-Cheese Extravaganza: Experiment with a blend of Italian cheeses such as fontina, provolone, and Asiago for a nuanced and indulgent cheese profile.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Garlic Bread Companion: Serve your baked mostaccioli with a side of garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce and complement the pasta’s richness.
2. Fresh Salad Harmony: Balance the meal with a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Make-Ahead Marvel: Assemble the Baked Mostaccioli up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy days or entertaining guests.

Keto and Low-Carb Options:

1. Zoodle Adventure: Replace traditional mostaccioli with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb alternative. Spiralize fresh zucchini and layer it in place of pasta.
2. Cauliflower Collaboration: Swap mostaccioli with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version. The cauliflower absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Pasta dishes aren’t all that Baked Mostaccioli is; it’s a celebration of coziness and decadence that combines baked casserole warmth with the ease of spaghetti in Italy. Allow the layers of flavorful beef sauce and oozy melted cheese to carry you away to a world of gourmet bliss as you relish every bite. This meal is a tribute to the delight that comes from the marriage of pasta and baked sweetness, whether it is savored as a cozy weekday supper or shared with loved ones. So give in to the charm of baked mostaccioli and let the tastes of Italy take your dinner party to new levels. Good Food!