Baked Mostaccioli combines Italian sausage, peppers, garlic, onions, and marinara, all blanketed in oodles of mozzarella and provolone cheese. It is the ultimate easy comfort food meal, family-friendly and guaranteed to please!
It is a hearty meal by itself, but for a complete company-worthy meal, I like to serve it with Triple Cheese Garlic Bread and Italian Chopped Salad with Fresh Italian Dressing.
This is not your lunch ladies’ mostaccioli! Or your wedding day mostaccioli. This delicious Baked Mostaccioli is loaded with layers of fresh Italian sausage, sweet onions, green bell peppers, minced garlic, and marinara. It is then topped with fresh Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone cheese. Baked Mostaccioli can be prepped in advance, loaded in the refrigerator, and baked at the optimum time.
We are one pasta-loving family. So easy, comforting, and so darn delicious every time. Are you and yours pasta lovers? Have you tried any of my other pasta dishes? Parmesan Pasta, Pasta con Broccoli, Baked Ziti, and this recipe are just a few of our favorites.
How to make Baked Mostaccioli
First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your mostaccioli noodles al dente according to package instructions and drain well. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage. When almost completely browned, add the green pepper and onions. Cook until the onions and green peppers begin to soften. Then add the minced garlic and cook for one minute. Now remove the pan from the heat and drain any excess grease.
Next, stir the cooked sausage mixture, cooked pasta, and marinara into a large casserole dish. Then top the pasta mixture with an even layer of grated Parmesan Cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded Provolone Cheese. Finally, bake in the oven for about twenty-five minutes or until the cheese is melted and very lightly browned. If desired garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
What to serve with it
- Italian Salad
- Garden Salad
- Bread Sticks
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Minestrone Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Puff Pastry Pinwheels
- Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Fresh Fruit Salad
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Cook the mostaccioli al dente, which means still somewhat firm. As it will be baked for a bit with the sausage, veggies, and sauce. You don’t want to overcook it.
- Other types of tubular pasta to use include penne, ziti, or rigatoni.
- Use good quality Italian sausage. Most butcher shops make their own, and it tastes so much better than processed sausage with all the preservatives in it.
- Substitute ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork for the sausage.
- Chop the green pepper and onion fairly fine, so you get a little bit of each in almost every bite.
- Use a high-quality, tasty marinara. They really have come a long way with jarred marinara. Some of them taste pretty darn good and do not have any preservatives in them.
- Grate and shred your cheese fresh from the block. That way, you will not have preservatives, added enzymes, and cellulose.
- Season with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
- For a change of pace, try adding fresh, cooked, chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or ricotta cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze, cool completely and cover with two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place in the freezer on a level surface for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
More pasta recipes you will love!
PrintBaked Mostaccioli Recipe
This is a super easy casserole the whole family can enjoy with mostaccioli pasta (penne lisce) and meat sauce, all covered in a blanket of delicious Italian cheeses and baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: pasta
- Method: stove top and bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb box (16 ounces) mostaccioli
- 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
- 1 large green pepper seeded, veined and chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 4–5 cups marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups provel ropes or provolone shredded
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the mostaccioli noodles al dente according to package instructions and drain well.
- Brown sausage in a skillet on medium heat. Remove sausage to plate; cover and keep warm.
- Add peppers and onions to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the edges of the onions start to brown. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute. Remove from heat.
- Combine the cooked sausage mixture, cooked mostaccioli, and marinara in a large baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with provel, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and started to brown just a touch. If desired garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Cook the mostaccioli al dente, which means still somewhat firm. As it will be baked for a bit with the sausage, veggies, and sauce. You don’t want to overcook it.
- Other types of pasta to use include penne, ziti, or rigatoni.
- Use good quality Italian sausage. Most butcher shops make their own, and it tastes so much better than processed sausage with all the preservatives in it.
- Ground beef, ground turkey, or ground pork can be substituted for the sausage.
- Chop the green pepper and onion fairly fine, so you get a little bit of each in almost every bite.
- Use a high quality tasty marinara. They really have come a long way with jarred marinara. Some of them taste pretty darn good and do not have any preservatives in them.
- Grate and shred your cheese fresh from the block. That way, you will not have preservatives, added enzymes, and cellulose.
- For a change of pace, try adding fresh, cooked, chopped spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or ricotta cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
- To freeze cool completely and cover with two layers of plastic. Place in the freezer on a level surface for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
Keywords: how to make mostaccioli, best mostaccioli recipe, mostaccioli pasta
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This post was originally published on July 21, 2015, and was republished on September 4, 2020, with new content.
https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Jasmine Martin
This pasta looks absolutely delicious. I am definitely going to have to make this for dinner really soon. I know it’s going to taste amazing.
Yeah Lifestyle
Yum, this was an absolutely delicious recipe. It came together so quickly! I should make all my pasta recipes with Italian sausage.
★★★★★
Laura
This is the ultimate comfort food! So good!
Tammy
This is a wonderfully hearty family meal. It was so delicious and the leftovers heated up perfectly in the microwave. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
★★★★★
Kitchen Mosaic Backsplash
This is the first time I have heard of Baked Mostaccioli, the dish looks out of this world good!!! I can’t wait to make your recipe, can’t wait.
Dezzie
This recipe was quick and easy. My family loved it!
★★★★★
Gao
This is such an easy recipe. I make it once a week. I wanted a creamier versuon so I swapped the provolone for ricotta cheese.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
So glad that you like it and thanks for the tip on the ricotta.
Jennifer
Can this be frozed?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can. Make sure you cool it to room temperature first.
Megan
Hi! Can I prepare and refrigerate for 24 hours and then pop it in the oven?
Beth Pierce
Yes you can but I would be sure to cook the noodles al dente. That means with just a slight bite in the noodle. I would also add a touch more sauce.
Kathy Ann Vasiloff
This sounds delicious. I’m going to make it for my granddaughter’s graduation party and need to make for 50 people. Can I bake it in the oven first, then transfer to a crick pot to keep warm. I just don’t want to dry it out. Thanks
Beth Pierce
Yes you can but I would cook the pasta al dente. Then if necessary you could add a little water or a little more sauce. Congrats on your daughter’s graduation.
Matt Taylor
This looks absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to try it. I love Italian sausage in past dishes.
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
I can’t wait to make this for dinner!! My family would LOVE It!!
★★★★★
Eden
This casserole turned out so good and everyone in my family liked it, huge plus! Can’t wait to make it again 🙂
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
I make this all the time for dinner and everyone always loves it!
★★★★★
Stephanie
This looks soooo good and easy to make. Definitely putting it on next week’s dinner menu.
★★★★★
Kristyn
Super family friendly & tons of flavor! My picky kids eat it! An easy dish, great for any night of the week!
★★★★★
Betsy
So delicious! Great easy weeknight meal everyone will love and the leftovers are great for lunches at work!
★★★★★
Gina
Absoultely delicious!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
This is cheesy, gooey, comfort food perfection for a weeknight! My family really loves this dish!
★★★★★
Erica Schwarz
My family inhaled this dish. Thank you for sharing! Was so easy to make for a weeknight.
★★★★★
Andrea Metlika
What a fabulous and comforting meal. Perfect for a crowd too!
★★★★★
Erika
Baked pasta dishes are my ultimate comfort food. I can’t wait to make this for my family!
★★★★★
Kathryn
Secret confession: never knew what mostaccioli was but this one is definitely not your lunch ladies version! Yummy!
★★★★★
Jennifer Allen
This is my go-to recipe whenever I’m in the mood for pasta comfort food! the flavors are incredible, and it’s so easy to make!
★★★★★
Sue
What perfect comfort food!I used sweet Italian sausage and lots of cheese as specified. It was a hit! Will make again, thanks!
★★★★★
Vicky
Pasta is a favorite go to dish at our house! Yummy recipe to try out here!
★★★★★
Julia
It looks so yummy! My son will love it, as he loves pasta so much and that cheezy pull picture, yum, can’t wait to make it!
★★★★★
Jamie
This looks absolutely fantastic! I’m saving this recipe to make later this week. It would make the perfect dinner. Thank you!
★★★★★
Priya Lakshminarayan
Wow that looks so tempting..I had not heard of this but I am tempted to try
★★★★★
Suzy
The kids go crazy when we make this! They love all of the cheesy goodness in this pasta dish!
★★★★★
wilhelmina
This was a huge hit with my crew! We loved every bite and fought over the leftovers!
★★★★★
Taryn
My whole family loved this! Will make again!
★★★★★
Lucille Kujawa
I made this today and my husband and I really liked it. I hadn’t read the comments, so I guessed at the temperature and pan size. My pan was a bit small,so I didn’t use all the pasta. I will use more sausage next time since my husband is a big meat eater and did wish for more meat,
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it. The temperature in on there. I guess I should probably add a 9X13 inch deep baking dish.
Kristyn
Mmm..this looks so good! This is a favorite of ours & go-to! No complaints from the family, which makes my life easier!!
Julie Blanner
Such a great comfort meal! My grandma use to make this all the time when I was little. So delicious!
★★★★★
Ashley F
One of our favorite go to meals! So easy to put together and the kids love it!
★★★★★
Jessica
One of our favorite weeknight meals! And bonus- it freezes well and works for meal prep lunches!
★★★★★
Ashley
Family loved it! Will definitely make it again.
★★★★★
Jessica Formicola
This is my absolute favorite mostaccioli recipe! We make it all the time and it’s definitely a family favorite around here!
★★★★★
Denay DeGuzman
We just enjoyed this baked mostaccioli for dinner. It was so darn good! I was hoping for leftovers, but no such luck. This recipe’s a keeper!
★★★★★
Jamie
Hello there, how soon in advance can you make this dish? A day a couple days?
Beth Pierce
Up to 2 days in advance. I would do a few things to make sure it is delicious. Cook the pasta slightly al dente, add a little extra sauce since pasta tries to soak up sauce when sitting, leave the cheese off until ready to bake and if the pasta portion looks dry add 1/2 cup of water and then add the cheese. Also take the casserole out of the fridge about 40 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature.
Debby
Quick question, you mentioned that you can make this ahead of time. I’m wondering if I can make this the day before and then bake it? Would I need to add more sauce since pasta seems to absorb? Thanks in advance!
Beth Pierce
Yes I would add a little more sauce and make sure you do not overcook the pasta. Happy cooking and have a fabulous weekend!
Roberta Abdel-kerim
Perfect for a Potluck too! This makes a huge amount and you’re gonna need it cause it tastes amazing! I cheated on the cheeses – I just grabbed a package Of Italian cheese blend added the Parmesan and it was awesome! Last 15 minutes I threw in a loaf of garlic bread – cut it into strips and it was a perfect potluck crowd pleaser!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Roberta! So glad that everyone liked it. You are correct perfect pot luck meal!
Gabi
For the pepper, is this a green bell pepper ?
Beth Pierce
Sorry Gabi! Yes it is a green bell pepper!
Jon
This was a wonderful dish!! I used hamburger instead of sausage
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thank you! So glad that you liked it!
lauren kelly
This is the most perfect comfort food! LOVE it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Lauren!
Jenni
My family loved it! A new favorite for weeknights!
★★★★★
Trang
I’ve never heard of mostaccioli and will definitely try this!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I hope you like it!
Becky Hardin
This is an amazing dish! Love everything about it.
★★★★★
Kristyn
Oh, my, this looks so good!! We love pasta at our house, so I will be adding this to the menu!
★★★★★
Barbara
Can anyone confirm the size of pan this fits in? I am guessing a 9 x 13?
Beth Pierce
Sorry about the delay. Yes that is a 9 x 13.
Cecilia Harvard
This looks absolutely scrumptious! I am a big Italian food lover and have this pinned and saved for next weeks menu!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Cecilia! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Criselle
This came right on time. I’ve been craving for pasta lately. I’ll have to make this one for the weekend. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Criselle! I sure hope you enjoy it!!
Twinspirational
This recipe looks so delicious. We would love to try to make it ourselves.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
You really should try it. It is delicious and easy!
Kisha Stewart-Harris
I’ve tried a lot of baked pasta recipes, but this has by far got to be the best. I love touch of Italian sausage. I substituted a veggie Italian sausage but I think it still gave it such a nice kick. Thanks for sharing this one.
★★★★★
Shannon Lyon
This looks delicious! My husband (and my kids) would love this so much!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Shannon. I hope you try it. It is easy and delicious!
Jacque Hooper
Another great recipe, Beth! This is making my mouth water just looking at the photos!
★★★★★
John Mulindi
What a good dish to have with the family, am sure I can prepare this, the guide is easy to follow. Thanks.
Yeah Lifestyle
What a delicious looking dish! My family would love this for dinner one night this week, I will definitely be giving it a go.
★★★★★
Justine
One of my favorite meals! Easy to make and tastes great – the whole family loves it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Justine! I agree 100%!
Jessica Formicola
I made this for dinner last night and it was a total hit! Thanks for sharing!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure was all mine!We love this recipe too!
Toni
It was a huge hit for dinner! My family enjoyed it!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is great! Glad that you liked it!
Suzy
Can’t wait to make this!
★★★★★
Sommer
This is delicious!
★★★★★
Erin
Our whole house loves pasta recipes like this!
★★★★★
Liz
This pasta is perfect comfort food! The whole family loves it!
★★★★★
Danny
Hi Beth! I’m about ready to get started on this recipe in about 15 minutes! All the prep work has been done ahead of time. Marinara sauce made yesterday and all the cheeses shredded, onions, garlic and peppers chopped and bagged etc. One quick question if you wouldn’t mind. The photo’s seem to show the sausage chopped up finely – but it may be sliced. I’m uncertain. Do you slice or break-up the sausage? I understand that you’ll probably not be able to respond to this comment before I’m ready to start so I’m going ahead and breaking the sausage up in a large skillet and browning it that way. OH – one last thing – as Linda posted above, I’m using sweet Italian sausage. I’m sure this is gonna ROCK!
Beth Pierce
I am so sorry about the delay. Yes you break up the sausage. Good call on your part. It sounds like you got it going on …good cooks everywhere.
Linda
I have to ask, while I love Jimmy dean sausage, not for this recipe … good Italian sausage … sweet or hot … would seem to work better with this flavor profile.
I enjoy your recipes, thank you!!!!
Chris C
Hello. It seems you forgot to mention what temperature to bake this dish at. I assumed 350 since that’s a typical number, but if there’s a specific number your recipe calls for it would be helpful to post that.
Thanks.
Beth Pierce
Thanks for the heads up. I will correct that right away.