Here’s a teen-friendly Mostaccioli recipe—cheesy, saucy, and super comforting 🍝🧀
Easy Baked Mostaccioli
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
- 1 lb (450 g) mostaccioli pasta (or penne)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Boil mostaccioli in salted water until just al dente. Drain.
- Cook meat:
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or sausage.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in pasta sauce and simmer 5 minutes.
- Assemble:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cooked pasta with meat sauce.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let cool slightly and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Extra cheesy: Add ricotta or cottage cheese to the pasta mix
- Meatless: Skip meat and add mushrooms or spinach
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes
Mostaccioli is warm, cheesy, and perfect for family dinners or leftovers 😋
If you want, I can also give you a creamy mostaccioli, slow-cooker version, or a one-pan skillet version.
