Savory Mostaccioli Bake with Cheesy Topping

1.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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

3.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4.Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

5.Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

6.In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

7.In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked mostaccioli over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: meat sauce, mostaccioli, ricotta mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

8.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

9.Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.