Authentic Italian Mostaccioli Recipe : Baked Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce
Mostaccioli is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s all about comfort—short pasta tubes baked in a rich tomato sauce with gooey melted cheese. While similar to baked ziti, this dish traditionally uses mostaccioli pasta, which is smooth instead of ridged. Whether served at Sunday dinners or big family gatherings, this classic recipe brings bold Italian flavors straight to your table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
1 lb mostaccioli pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for creaminess)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta: Boil mostaccioli until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine: In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with half of the sauce. If using ricotta, gently fold it in.
Assemble: Spread half the pasta in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with half the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden top.
Garnish and serve hot with fresh herbs and a side of garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Calories: 500–600
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g