If you’re dreaming of the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe. Imagine forkfuls of pasta, tangy marinara, savory sausage, and three dreamy layers of cheese, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s the kind of hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that gathers everyone to the table. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday dinner, a family-friendly potluck, or an easy make-ahead weeknight feast, this recipe truly shines—each bite is pure Italian-American bliss!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The heart of every great Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each element plays a starring role, lending body, bold flavor, irresistible texture, and that signature cheesy finish.
- Mostaccioli pasta: Cylindrical noodles that perfectly hold the sauce and cheese, staying tender but not mushy.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and onion, adding subtle richness.
- Italian sausage (or ground beef): Brings savory depth and a little spice—use sweet or spicy, as you prefer.
- Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and umami to the sauce base.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for building that craveable, aromatic Italian flavor.
- Jarred marinara sauce: Save time without sacrificing flavor; use your favorite jar or a homemade batch.
- Dried oregano: Classic Italian herb for warmth and earthiness.
- Dried basil: Lends a fresh, almost sweet note that brightens the tomato sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat—add more if you love a little kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Balances flavors and brings everything together.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it becomes lusciously smooth when baked.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a gooey, stringy, perfectly golden topping.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and crisp, bubbly texture on top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the mostaccioli pasta. Cook the noodles until they’re just al dente—don’t overdo it, as they’ll finish cooking in the oven for the Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe. Drain the pasta, then set it aside while you prep the other layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (or ground beef) and diced onion, breaking up the meat as it browns. Cook until the sausage is cooked through and the onion is tender and translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—this wakes up all those classic Italian notes!
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Pour in the marinara sauce, then sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld and your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma characteristic of any Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mostaccioli, meat sauce, and creamy ricotta cheese. Gently stir everything together until every piece of pasta is bathed in sauce and ricotta, creating a marvelous, melty mixture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the pasta mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish, then shower the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling with little golden spots.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let your Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it. This short rest helps everything set just enough for the perfect slice. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, then dig in!
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds color and brightness. For extra decadence, dust each serving of the Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe with a little extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Pair it with crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce, a crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad for freshness, or roasted vegetables for a colorful Italian feast. The Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe is hearty, so sides that offer contrast in texture (like a citrusy salad) are perfect.
Creative Ways to Present
For fun, scoop individual portions into oven-safe ramekins and finish under the broiler for a personal-sized cheesy crust. Or, serve family-style with a big ladle from the baking dish for maximum comfort-food vibes. You can even slice and layer leftovers between garlic bread for a creative sandwich twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the cooled baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to airtight containers. Your Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, which makes leftovers especially delicious for lunch or a quick dinner.
Freezing
This is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal. Assemble as directed, but instead of baking, cover and freeze the dish for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cook time. Freeze leftovers in single-serve portions for fast, satisfying weeknight meals.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until warm throughout (about 20-25 minutes). For smaller portions, the microwave works in a pinch—use medium power to avoid overcooking the pasta. If the top looks dry, add a splash of marinara and extra sprinkle of cheese before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the sausage or ground beef for your favorite plant-based sausage or use sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty, satisfying meatless version. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll still enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
No ricotta? No problem! Creamy cottage cheese works beautifully and creates a similar texture in the baked pasta. Just be sure to drain it first so your Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe doesn’t turn out watery.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a go-to for entertaining or busy weeknights—just pull it from the fridge and bake when you’re ready!
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the mostaccioli just to al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. If it’s slightly firm when you drain it, it will be perfectly tender in the finished Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe. Avoid overboiling for best results.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers reheat best in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until hot a throughout. For quick lunches, microwave small portions on medium power, adding a splash of sauce or a bit of extra cheese if desired to keep things moist and melty.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about gathering around a bubbling, cheesy pasta bake, and this Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe does not disappoint. It’s cozy, satisfying, and always a hit with family and friends. Grab your baking dish and give it a try—your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and cheesy baked mostaccioli dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering. This recipe combines hearty pasta with savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of three cheeses for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound mostaccioli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook mostaccioli pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Brown sausage and onion in olive oil, add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese in a bowl. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta or use a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
- Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
