If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, cheesy hug on a plate, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and layers of luscious cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. The rich marinara sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping add texture and depth, making every bite a delicious celebration of classic Italian-American flavors. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this dish is guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role, from the savory depth of Italian sausage to the creamy ricotta that binds everything beautifully. The combination of three cheeses ensures that perfect melty, gooey texture, while the golden breadcrumb topping adds just the right crunch.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing onions, adding a subtle fruitiness that enhances the sauce base.
- Diced onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation when softened.
- Ground Italian sausage: Brings bold and savory flavors that infuse the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch to the meat sauce.
- Marinara sauce: The tomato-rich heart of the dish, bringing acidity and sweetness.
- Large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Ricotta cheese: Offers a velvety creaminess and mild flavor that balances the sausage.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs enhancing every layer.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Season to perfection, bringing out all flavors.
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese: The classic melty cheese that pulls beautifully.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick, divided for both cheese mixture and topping.
- Butter: Used to brown the breadcrumbs, giving a rich, toasty flavor.
- Unseasoned panko breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy, golden topping.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic boost to the breadcrumb mix.
- Mostaccioli pasta: The hearty pasta that holds all the delicious layers together.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get everything ready for baking later. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onions until they become soft and translucent. Then add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until it’s browned and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic for that classic aromatic punch. Once cooked through, drain off any excess grease and pour in the marinara sauce. Let this simmer gently while you move on to the next steps, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and ricotta cheese until smooth. Add the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a creamy, cheesy layer that perfectly balances the savory sausage and tangy tomato sauce. Make sure to stir everything thoroughly so the flavors meld just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it just begins to turn golden. Remove it from heat and immediately stir in the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This buttery breadcrumb mixture adds a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy baked pasta beneath.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions until it is just al dente. Drain the pasta well to avoid any excess moisture, which could make the dish soggy during baking. The pasta’s ridged surface holds onto all that delicious sauce and cheese, making each bite flavorful.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering the ingredients. Spread half of the cooked pasta across the bottom of the dish, then add the entire ricotta cheese mixture on top. Finish by layering the remaining pasta evenly over the cheese. This layered approach ensures every forkful delivers a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and rich sausage sauce. Finally, sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. This allows the cheeses to melt thoroughly, and the flavors to marry. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to set it up for easy slicing and serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors of the baked mostaccioli. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top right before serving can enhance the cheesy experience even more. If you like a hint of heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes also works wonders.
Side Dishes
This hearty Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or focaccia bread makes a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for scooping up extra sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, add a fresh element that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style presentation, serve the dish straight from the baking dish with a big serving spoon, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy. For a fancier touch, scoop servings onto warm plates and garnish each with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can even experiment with layering different types of cheese or adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms for extra umami flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this delicious Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before covering to prevent condensation and sogginess. When stored properly, the flavors remain delicious and even deepen overnight.
Freezing
This baked pasta is perfect for freezing. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container but don’t bake it yet. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual, adding extra baking time if needed to heat through and crisp the topping. This makes a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. Cover with foil to prevent the topping from burning, then remove foil in the last few minutes to crisp the breadcrumb layer again. This keeps your Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli tasting almost as good as fresh!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage gives a great flavor, you can swap it for ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage alternative if you prefer. Just adjust the seasoning to maintain that rich, savory profile.
Is mostaccioli the only pasta that works for this recipe?
Mostaccioli is ideal because its hollow shape holds sauce well, but you can substitute penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. Just stick to similarly sized pasta for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe meatless?
Yes, you can skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You may want to increase the seasoning and add extra herbs to keep the dish full of flavor.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese drained well or even a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can work in a pinch. Just be aware the texture and flavor will be a bit different but still tasty.
Why is it important to drain the pasta well?
Draining the pasta thoroughly helps prevent the dish from becoming watery after baking. Excess moisture can dilute the flavors and make the breadcrumb topping less crispy, so make sure your pasta is nicely drained before assembling.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Its layers of rich sausage, creamy cheeses, and perfectly baked pasta create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished classic in your home, just like it is in mine.
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Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked mostaccioli dish featuring layers of tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich ricotta cheese, and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. This classic Italian-American casserole is perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining hearty flavors with gooey melted cheeses and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 ½ pounds ground Italian sausage
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 large egg
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Breadcrumb Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté diced onions until softened. Add ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Drain any excess grease before adding the marinara sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, mozzarella cheese, and half (½ cup) of the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly blended and creamy.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown, emitting a nutty aroma. Remove from heat promptly to prevent burning. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese to coat the crumbs evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the mostaccioli in salted water as per the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly on the bottom. Layer the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with the remaining pasta. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the final layer.
- Bake the Mostaccioli: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp. Let the casserole rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting and texture.
- Make sure to drain the pasta well to prevent a watery casserole.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives better flavor than pre-grated.
- The browned butter breadcrumb topping adds a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
- For a spicier dish, consider using hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
