Magnificent Mostaccioli
A hearty and flavorful baked mostaccioli dish featuring savory bratwurst, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs, perfect for satisfying family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. bratwurst ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 can water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- celery salt ⓘ
- onion salt ⓘ
- pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. yellow mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 pkg. mostaccioli noodles
- shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the bratwurst, remove skins, and cut into pieces.
- Add tomato paste, tomato soup, water, oregano, basil, mushrooms (if using), celery salt, onion salt, pepper, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to a pot. Simmer for at least 1 hour.
- Cook mostaccioli noodles according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked noodles and pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the noodles and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F until warmed through and cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or onions to the sauce mix. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute bratwurst with turkey or chicken sausage. You can also use whole grain mostaccioli noodles for added fiber. Adjust the seasonings to your taste, and feel free to omit the mushrooms if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this magnificent mostaccioli with a side salad for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or slices of Country Herb Bread would complement the dish beautifully. For a complete meal, pair it with a light dessert like Cheesecake Mousse to round out the flavors and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored 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 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Magnificent Mostaccioli contains roughly 405 calories, with 25g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (95% of the Daily Value), calcium (90% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% 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 vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the bratwurst with a plant-based sausage or even omit it entirely for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to make it heartier and still delicious.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid. You could also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Can I freeze mostaccioli leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F until warmed through.
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).