Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6–8

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 1 lb mostaccioli pasta
• Salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

For the Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)

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🍽️ Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add mostaccioli and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

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2. Make the Meat Sauce

4. In a large skillet, cook ground beef (or sausage) over medium-high heat until browned.
5. Add diced onion and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
6. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
7. Drain any excess grease if needed.
8. Pour in marinara sauce and tomato sauce.
9. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.
10. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes.

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3. Assemble the Mostaccioli

11. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
12. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce and mix well.
13. If using ricotta, gently fold it into the mixture (optional).
14. Transfer half of the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
15. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan on top.
16. Add the remaining pasta mixture.
17. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

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4. Bake

18. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
19. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

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5. Serve

20. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
21. Garnish with parsley if desired.
22. Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.