Sauced Mostaccioli
Savory mostaccioli baked with seasoned ground beef, pepperoni, mushrooms, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef; remove and reserve.
- In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until crisp-tender.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and salt; stir well.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, then add sliced pepperoni and sliced mushrooms.
- Simmer the mixture, covered, for 1 hour.
- Cook the mostaccioli according to package instructions and drain.
- Serve the sauce over cooked mostaccioli and top with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the sauce. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for a different taste. You can also use whole wheat mostaccioli for a healthier option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
This sauced mostaccioli pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for added nutrition. For an enhanced experience, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving, adding a vibrant touch to your dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauced Mostaccioli contains roughly 466 calories, with 19g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg per serving (82% 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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Simply let it cool, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce while cooking the mostaccioli. This can save you time during busy weeknights and allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the sauce while it simmers. You could also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef, which will infuse the dish with extra flavor and spice.
What can I substitute for mostaccioli?
If you can't find mostaccioli, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even ziti as alternatives. These pasta shapes will hold the sauce well and provide a delightful texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the chosen pasta.
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).