Mostaccioli With Tomato Sauce
A hearty Italian pasta dish featuring mostaccioli in a rich, thick tomato sauce with ground beef and fragrant herbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, combine all ingredients as needed.
- Cook ground beef until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce and tomato paste to the skillet.
- Pour in about 1 cup of water.
- Simmer the sauce until it becomes thick, about 30 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, boil water in a deep pan.
- Add mostaccioli with 2 teaspoons of salt to the boiling water.
- Cook mostaccioli for 15 to 20 minutes until tender.
- Drain the cooked pasta.
- Serve the sauce over the drained mostaccioli.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or even a meat substitute can work well. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be used instead of dried oregano and basil. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed, especially with salt and sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mostaccioli topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil for a burst of flavor. A side salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, making it a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Easy-Living Lasagna for an Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm the mostaccioli and sauce separately on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mostaccioli With Tomato Sauce contains roughly 7 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g fat.
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 use other types of pasta instead of mostaccioli?
Yes, you can substitute mostaccioli with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as needed since different pasta types may have varying cooking durations.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add lentils for added protein and texture.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce, cooking for a few more minutes until it thickens.
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).