Go Back
mostaccioli recipe

Easy Comforting Mostaccioli Pasta Bake

This comforting mostaccioli pasta bake features al dente pasta, rich meat sauce, and melty American cheese for a hearty, easy dinner perfect for family meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian‑American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 pound ground sirloin
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 pound mostaccioli noodles
  • 1/4 pound reduced-fat American cheese

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • large pot
  • baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground sirloin with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned.
  2. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Season with salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer the sauce while cooking the pasta.
  3. Cook the mostaccioli noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well.
  4. Slice the reduced-fat American cheese into small pieces.
  5. In a medium baking dish, layer the cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cheese slices. Repeat layers and top with cheese.
  6. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven.