Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe: A Cozy Italian Comfort Classic

Pasta lovers rejoice as this hearty baked mostaccioli recipe brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Bursting with rich, savory flavors, this classic Italian-American dish combines tender pasta with robust marinara and melted cheese.

The baked mostaccioli creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that will instantly warm your soul.

Layers of zesty sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and gooey mozzarella meld together in a casserole that screams home-cooked goodness.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become extraordinary with this simple yet delectable meal.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of traditional ingredients and comforting warmth.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering recipe and let your taste buds dance with pure culinary delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 497 kcal

Servings: 7

Baked Mostaccioli Ingredients List

• Mostaccioli Pasta: Hearty tube-shaped pasta perfect for capturing rich sauce and holding layers of flavor, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.

• Ground Beef, Italian Sausage: Robust meats providing deep savory foundation, select lean cuts for balanced richness and minimal greasiness.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic flavor boosters that create depth and complexity, pick firm onions with no soft spots and fresh garlic with tight, unblemished skin.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor amplifiers that balance and highlight other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend adding authentic Mediterranean warmth, look for mix without added salt for better control.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat for sautéing and adding subtle fruity undertones, choose extra virgin for superior quality.

• Marinara Sauce: Tangy tomato base providing moisture and traditional Italian character, select smooth, well-seasoned sauce with minimal preservatives.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty topping creating irresistible golden crust, opt for freshly shredded for superior melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty accent bringing sophisticated flavor complexity, grate fresh for most vibrant taste.
• Fresh Basil: Optional bright garnish adding fresh herbal note and visual appeal, select bright green leaves without wilting.

Tools You’ll Need for Baked Mostaccioli

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly, ensuring it reaches al dente texture.
• Skillet: Key for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning ground meat with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the entire mostaccioli casserole.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese before transferring to baking dish.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after boiling and remove excess water.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients in skillet and mixing pasta with sauce.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh mozzarella and grating Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring Cups: Useful for accurately portioning cheese and other ingredients.

How to Make Baked Mostaccioli Easily

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Grab your baking dish and create a cozy cooking environment by warming the oven to a perfect temperature that will transform simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

• Pasta Foundation

Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect tender moment where it’s soft yet still has a pleasant bite, then gently set it aside to await its flavor transformation.

• Savory Meat Base

In a sizzling skillet, dance some onions and garlic until they release their magical aroma, then introduce ground meat to create a rich and hearty foundation for your dish.

• Sauce Symphony

Blend marinara into your meat mixture, letting flavors mingle and develop a deep, comforting personality that speaks of home-cooked goodness.

• Cheesy Fusion

Combine your pasta and meat sauce in a welcoming bowl, inviting mozzarella and Parmesan to join the flavor party, creating a creamy and irresistible texture.

• Baking Crescendo

Transfer the mixture to your waiting baking dish, crown it with a generous layer of cheese that promises a golden, bubbling finish.

• Oven Magic

Let the dish bake until the cheese transforms into a beautiful golden landscape, signaling that your culinary creation is ready to be devoured.

• Serving Celebration

Pause briefly after removing from the oven, then serve up portions of pure comfort that will make everyone at the table smile with delight.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Baked Mostaccioli

• Genius Baked Mostaccioli Secrets
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based alternative for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Experiment with provolone, fontina, or ricotta instead of standard mozzarella to create unique taste combinations that elevate the dish's richness.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by mixing chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers directly into the meat sauce for added texture and vitamins without compromising flavor.
• Kick up heat levels by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce during sauce preparation for those who enjoy a spicier pasta experience.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Serving Baked Mostaccioli Hot

• Comfort Food Companions: Serve this hearty mostaccioli with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich pasta dish.
• Rustic Italian Side Kick: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread slices make perfect companions, helping soak up delicious sauce and adding extra texture to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the robust meat and tomato flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add bright color and a burst of garden-fresh flavor that lifts the entire dish.

Storing Baked Mostaccioli Meals Correctly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover baked mostaccioli in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and prevent moisture loss.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Package individual or family-sized portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum taste and texture when you're ready to enjoy again. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold mostaccioli by adding a splash of marinara sauce before warming. Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, maintaining that delicious cheesy goodness.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate unbaked, and pop into the oven when ready to serve. This strategy works perfectly for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests, giving you more time to relax and enjoy mealtime.

Creamy Baked Mostaccioli Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade baked mostaccioli offers hearty Italian comfort with layered pasta, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. Simple preparation and bold flavors make this classic casserole perfect for family dinners you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground meat (beef or Italian sausage)
• 1 lb (454 g) mostaccioli pasta (uncooked)
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook mostaccioli until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
3. Aromatic Base: Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Meat Integration: Add ground meat to the skillet, browning completely and crumbling into small pieces. Cook 6-8 minutes, eliminating any pink sections and draining excess fat.
5. Sauce Development: Incorporate marinara sauce into the meat mixture, simmering gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
6. Cheese Incorporation: Blend cooked pasta with meat sauce in a large mixing bowl. Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Baking Preparation: Transfer pasta blend to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top generously with remaining cheese and sprinkle Italian seasoning across the surface.
8. Final Cooking: Bake for 25 minutes until cheese melts completely, developing a golden-brown crust with bubbling edges. Remove from oven and let rest 5-7 minutes.
9. Serving: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Ensure mostaccioli is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a satisfying texture.
• Fat Management: Drain excess meat fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy final dish and reduce unnecessary calories.
• Cheese Distribution: Mix cheeses gently to create an even, creamy consistency throughout the pasta.
• Resting Ritual: Let the dish sit for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set properly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking, Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 497
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 883 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg