I have a weakness for pasta and although I love all types of pasta dishes, this Easy Mostaccioli Pasta Recipe is one of my favorites. Not only is this recipe tasty, the recipe is easily modified to be gluten-free.
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This Easy Mostaccioli Pasta Recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. It comes together pretty quickly, is full of flavorful ingredients, it’s a filling meal and it’s great the next day as leftovers.
As per the name, I suggest you use mostaccioli or penne noodles and in my case, I use gluten free noodles. Fear not; this recipe will work well with just about any noodle! When in a pinch, I’ve used elbow macaroni or spiral noodles before and they work well too.
I started by cooking the noodles according to the packaging directions. While the noodles were cooking I started making the sauce.
First, I heated up my large cast iron skillet on medium heat. Next, I added extra virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, and chopped onion to the skillet. I cooked the garlic and onions until soft, but not brown. I added ground beef, cooked it until the meat was no longer pink then drained the excess grease. Finally, I added homemade versatile tomato sauce (or you can use your favorite tomato sauce), seasonings, and herbs to the meat mixture. I cooked the sauce on low until it started to thicken.
By now my noodles were fully cooked, drained and ready to add to the sauce. I gently stirred the noodles and sauce together until just combined.
Finally, I garnished the pasta with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. I served the pasta along with a side salad and cheesy garlic bread.
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Linda Wiseman
Yields Approximately 4 to 5 servings
A delicious pasta dish that everyone will love.
20 minPrep Time
20 minCook Time
40 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound box Mostaccioli or penne noodles (*GF Option - use gluten-free noodles)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 24 ounces tomato sauce (*GF Option - use a gluten-free sauce)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet basil leaves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon anise seed (optional - will provide a hint of licorice flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon cilantro leaves (optional)
- Garnish - fresh basil, Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Mostaccioli noodles according to package directions, drain.
- Meanwhile, add olive oil to a large skillet, cook garlic and onion over medium heat until tender.
- Add ground beef, cook until meat is no longer pink, drain excess grease.
- Return to heat and add tomato sauce, basil, parsley, tarragon, oregano, salt, pepper, sugar, anise seed, and cilantro.
- Cook sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture starts to thicken.
- Gently stir together the drained noodles with sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Optional additions: mushrooms, diced tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and/or black olives. Optional: Use 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage with 1/2 pound ground beef.
Because this Easy Mostaccioli Pasta Recipe is so tasty it’s a family favorite standby dish. In addition, you can easily add extra ingredients such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, peppers, and/or black olives to change up the recipe a bit.
Enjoy!
Looking for more pasta sauce recipes? Check out this post: Mouthwatering Pasta Sauces for Every Occasion.
(Since I am allergic to garlic and onions I divide the recipe and omit these in mine but do add them to my husband’s sauce.)
Linda
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