Mostaccioli With Sausage
A hearty pasta casserole featuring spicy sausage, savory tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings with bold flavors and comforting goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hot sausage, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper in a skillet, then drain off excess fat.
- Heat the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and water together in a saucepan.
- Add salt and oregano to the tomato mixture and stir to combine.
- Stir in the cooked and drained mostaccioli pasta into the sauce mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor profile, consider using sweet Italian sausage instead of hot sausage, or adding crushed red pepper for extra heat. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses. To save time, you can use jarred marinara sauce instead of the tomato mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also enjoy it alongside a glass of red wine. For a comforting dessert, consider serving a slice of Praline Peach Cobbler to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil, then reheat at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli With Sausage contains roughly 1068 calories, with 45g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (270% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2720mg per serving (118% 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 and sausage mixture a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added texture. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of water in the sauce can enhance the flavor without compromising the dish.
What can I serve with Mostaccioli With Sausage?
This hearty dish goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. A slice of crusty bread for dipping into the sauce can also complement the meal nicely.
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).