Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli is a classic Italian-American casserole that’s perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal! Imagine tender mostaccioli pasta baked in a rich meat sauce with a creamy ricotta cheese filling and a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for a family weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Cheesy: The combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and crispy breadcrumb topping creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile that will please everyone at the table.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This casserole is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for potlucks, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the meat sauce with your favorite vegetables or spices, or use a different type of cheese for the filling or topping.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and brown the sausage.
• Onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Ground Italian sausage: Adds a flavorful and slightly spicy base to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
• Egg: Binds the ricotta cheese filling together.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy and slightly sweet flavor to the filling.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs for a classic Italian flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Mozzarella cheese: Grated and adds a creamy and cheesy texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated and adds a salty and umami flavor to the filling and topping.
• Butter: Used to make the breadcrumb topping crispy and golden brown.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create a light and crispy topping.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor to the breadcrumb topping.
• Mostaccioli: A tubular pasta shape that’s perfect for holding the sauce and cheese filling.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli

Step 1: Preheat and Make the Meat Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease and pour in the marinara sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

In a large bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Breadcrumb Topping

Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking and stirring until the butter turns golden brown. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Cook the mostaccioli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and add the cooked pasta to the meat sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the ricotta, then sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the entire casserole.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality sausage: Choose a good quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can! Other pasta shapes that would work well in this recipe include penne, rigatoni, or ziti.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can! Omit the sausage and use a plant-based ground meat substitute or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish? Definitely! A pinch of red pepper flakes, dried oregano, or a bay leaf would be delicious additions.

This Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is a classic comfort food that’s easy to make and always satisfying. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and crispy topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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