Mostaccioli Mosta
Mostaccioli Mosta is a hearty baked pasta dish featuring seasoned meat sauce, melted cheeses, and savory olives, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. black olives, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 1 lb. package mostaccioli
- 2 Tbsp. softened butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 c. Mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped black olives, grated Parmesan cheese, seasoned salt, oregano leaves, and crushed red pepper; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Prepare mostaccioli pasta according to package instructions.
- Toss cooked pasta with softened butter.
- Arrange the pasta in a 3-quart shallow baking dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Top with grated Mozzarella cheese.
- Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts and is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some minced garlic or chopped bell peppers when cooking the beef and onion. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use whole wheat mostaccioli for added nutrition, or swap in your favorite cheese blend if you want to experiment with flavors. This dish also pairs well with a simple side salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mostaccioli Mosta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan for a finishing touch. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Consider serving alongside Italian recipes for an even more festive meal, or use it as a hearty main dish during gatherings. A glass of red wine would complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, place the mostaccioli in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli Mosta contains roughly 292 calories, with 11g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and calcium (79% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg per serving (46% 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 ahead of time. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Adjust the seasoning to ensure the dish remains flavorful regardless of your protein choice.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
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).