If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug, this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious blend of tender pasta, rich Italian sausage, tangy marinara, and an irresistibly gooey cheese mixture, all topped with a perfectly crunchy breadcrumb crust. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or want to impress guests with a hearty, home-cooked meal, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic Italian flavors and satisfying texture. Once you make this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is as simple as gathering some pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each play a starring role in creating rich flavor and perfect texture. Each element contributes something essential—from the savory sausage and creamy cheese to the crispy breadcrumb topping that makes every bite exciting.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing onions and browning sausage, enhancing aroma and depth.
- Diced onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and soft texture that complements the richness of the sausage.
- Ground Italian sausage: Provides bold, spiced flavor that’s key to the savory profile of the dish.
- Minced garlic: Brings fragrant warmth that lifts the sauce and meat mixture.
- Marinara sauce (28-ounce jar): The tangy tomato foundation that rounds everything together beautifully.
- Large egg: Binds the cheese mixture for a creamy, unified filling.
- Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Adds luscious creaminess and balances the acidity of the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Boosts herbal notes that marry well with all other flavors.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the dish’s richness.
- Low-moisture mozzarella cheese (2 cups grated): Melts perfectly into that irresistibly gooey texture we all crave.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, divided): Offers a sharp, nutty punch—half for the cheese mixture, half for the topping.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Used to toast breadcrumbs, giving them a golden, crispy finish.
- Unseasoned panko breadcrumbs (¾ cup): The secret to an unbeatable crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Infuses the breadcrumb topping with subtle savory notes.
- Mostaccioli pasta (1 pound): Sturdy tubular pasta that holds sauce and cheese beautifully for each bite.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Make Meat Sauce
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your dish is assembled. While the oven warms, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until tender and fragrant, then add ground Italian sausage to brown it beautifully. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for a minute to release its aroma. Drain any excess grease, then pour in the marinara sauce. Allow this savory meat sauce to simmer gently while you prepare the remaining ingredients. This step creates a rich base loaded with hearty flavors!
Step 2: Make Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the large egg with ricotta cheese to create a creamy base. Season with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor layers. Then mix in the grated mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. This luscious cheese mixture acts as the velvety heart of your baked mostaccioli, adding richness and a gooey texture that you’ll love.
Step 3: Make Breadcrumb Topping
To get the perfect crunchy topping, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat until it turns a lovely golden brown. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining Parmesan cheese. This toasty, cheesy topping will provide a wonderful contrast to the soft pasta and creamy cheese filling—every bite should have that delightful crunch on top!
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Boil the mostaccioli pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture without turning mushy in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta well so that it doesn’t dilute the sauce or cheese mixture.
Step 5: Assemble Casserole
Now for the fun part where everything comes together! In your 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta as a base layer. Next, dollop and gently spread the cheesy ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by the remaining pasta on top. Finally, sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb topping evenly across the surface. This layered approach ensures the flavors meld beautifully while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the casserole with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 35 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld and the cheese to bake into bubbly perfection. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs become golden brown and irresistibly crispy. When it’s done, pull it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to let all the layers settle.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe even further, fresh garnishes like chopped basil or parsley add a pop of vibrant color and a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan right before serving can also add an extra layer of savory indulgence. These small touches make the dish look as stunning as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests or brightening up family dinners.
Side Dishes
This baked pasta is surprisingly versatile when it comes to sides. A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, adding refreshing crunch and balancing the meal. For a heartier occasion, garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus complements the Italian flavors wonderfully without overpowering the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch it up, try serving this dish in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a charming, personalized presentation. Alternatively, scoop out portions onto a warm plate and drizzle with extra marinara or a touch of pesto for a burst of additional flavor and color. No matter how you plate it, this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe promises to be a comforting crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself blessed with leftovers from this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal option that heats up wonderfully.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a charm! After the dish has completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until heated through. For single servings, a microwave works well—just cover and heat in short bursts to maintain the perfect cheesy, saucy consistency without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mostaccioli is traditional and works great because of its tubular shape, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes that also hold sauce and cheese well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers to maintain heartiness without meat.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add the breadcrumb topping right before baking to keep it crisp and fresh.
What kind of Italian sausage should I use?
Sweet or mild Italian sausage works well for this recipe, but if you prefer a bit more spice, opt for hot Italian sausage to give it an extra kick.
Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese?
While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, freshly grated mozzarella melts more smoothly and gives a better texture, so I recommend grating it yourself if possible.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, satisfying, and packed with layers of delightful flavors and textures. Making this recipe is straightforward, and the end result is pure magic that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try soon and prepare for some seriously happy taste buds!
Print
Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli is a comforting Italian-American casserole layered with savory sausage meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixture, tender mostaccioli pasta, and topped with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb and Parmesan topping. Perfect for family dinners, this baked pasta dish combines rich flavors and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat 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
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumb Topping
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ cup unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Make Meat Sauce: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until they are softened and translucent. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then add the marinara sauce and let it simmer on low heat while you prepare the other components.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the large egg, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, grated mozzarella cheese, and half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a creamy cheese mixture.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and immediately stir in the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the breadcrumbs are coated and combined.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, begin by layering half of the cooked pasta. Spread the entire ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Then add the remaining pasta on top, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the pasta.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for the Italian sausage for a leaner option.
- Make sure to brown the browned butter properly for a nutty flavor without burning it.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better texture and flavor.
- Covering the dish during the majority of baking helps keep the pasta moist.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to help set the layers for easier serving.
