This baked mostaccioli is classically delicious and couldn't be any easier to make. Pasta baked in a delicious tomato sauce topped with cheese. So good!
3cupsfreshly grated mozzarella cheesedo not use bagged cheese
minced parsleyfor garnish
Instructions
In a large pot or dutch oven; cook the ground beef, onions and garlic until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked.
Measure and add in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), Italian seasoning and stir.
Pour in the tomato sauce and add to that 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, the sugar, salt and ground black pepper. Stir, cover and reduce the temperature to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile preheat your oven to 325° and bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it's boiling, add in the 8 ounces (half a box) of pasta and cook for half of the time that is directed on the package.
Drain and combine the partially cooked pasta with the sauce.
In an 9x13 baking dish; layer half of the meat/sauce mixture. Top with half of the shredded Mozzarella and then repeat with the remaining sauce.
Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons parmesan, then the remaining Mozzarella and then sprinkle the last 2 tablespoons of parmesan over the entire baking dish.
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
Serve warm with more shaved parmesan and mince fresh parsley.