Baked Mostaccioli With Sausage And Peppers
Baked Mostaccioli with sausage, peppers, and melted cheeses offers a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings that love rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown sausage with peppers and onion over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce and water, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the cooked Mostaccioli, 2 cups of shredded Mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread 2 more cups of sauce over the layers.
- Layer the remaining Mostaccioli, cheese, sauce, and Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, try using turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can also add spinach or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutrition. If you don't have ridged Mostaccioli, penne or ziti would work well. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This baked mostaccioli pairs beautifully with Garlicky Breadsticks and a simple green salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light Italian dressing to complement the rich flavors. For a heartier option, add a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Mostaccioli With Sausage And Peppers contains roughly 525 calories, with 15g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value) and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mostaccioli up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
What can I substitute for the sausage?
For a vegetarian option, you can use plant-based sausage or omit the meat altogether and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers. This makes it a great choice for Vegetarian recipes enthusiasts.
Can I freeze baked mostaccioli?
Absolutely! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy it later.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).