Ingredients
Method
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat if needed.
Combine with Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Assemble the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked mostaccioli over the sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the remaining mostaccioli, and the rest of the cheese mixture. Top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray). Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let the baked mostaccioli cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 6-8