Baked Mostaccioli

Ingredients

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper ( to taste)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray.

2. 2

   Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small pieces, until it is browned and cooked through.

4. 4

   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

6. 6

   Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly.

7. 7

   Add the cooked mostaccioli pasta to the skillet with the sauce, and stir to combine.

8. 8

   Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

9. 9

   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

11. 11

    Let the baked mostaccioli cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.