Ingredients
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
- ½ pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup red wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Cheese Layers:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon, 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Add wine if using and simmer 2 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered 30-120 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook mostaccioli in salted boiling water until 2 minutes before al dente. Drain without rinsing.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix ricotta, egg, ½ cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread â…“ of sauce in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the ricotta mixture, and â…“ of mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover, add remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Undercook pasta by 2 minutes—it continues cooking in the oven
- Sauce can simmer for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor
- Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated
- Freezes well before or after baking for up to 3 months
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results
- Let rest before cutting for neater portions
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free