Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Cook Pasta: Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/cheesy-baked-mostaccioli-recipe/