This recipe for Ground Beef & Tomato Mostaccioli is a Classic, Hearty Pasta Dish That’s Perfect for Feeding a Hungry Crowd. It’s a great way to use up leftover ground beef and tomatoes, and it’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook Time: 20 minutes, Servings: 4, Cost: 10 - 15 USD
When you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal, nothing hits the spot like a classic Italian pasta dish. My Classic Beef Mostaccioli is rich, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that combines tender beef, tangy tomatoes, and a medley of spices to create a delicious, comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Beef Mostaccioli is the ultimate comfort food. The ground beef gives it a hearty base, while the combination of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce provides layers of rich, tangy flavor. With the perfect blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, oregano, and a touch of sugar, this dish offers a balanced and savory taste that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄4 diced white onion
- 1⁄2 lb ground beef
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1⁄2 can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- Italian seasoning (to taste)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Freshly chopped parsley (to taste)
- 1 lb mostaccioli pasta
- Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Ground Beef & Tomato Mostaccioli that will have your family coming back for seconds:
Sauté the Onion
Start by heating 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add in 1⁄4 of a diced white onion and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
Cook the Ground Beef
Next, add 1⁄2 pound of ground beef to the pan. Cook the beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, use a paper towel to absorb and dispose of the excess grease, leaving you with a flavorful and lean base for your sauce.
Add the Tomatoes
Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes, 1⁄2 can of petite diced tomatoes, and 1 can of tomato sauce. These three types of tomatoes create a rich and textured sauce that’s full of vibrant flavors.
Sweeten and Season the Sauce
To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add 2 tablespoons of sugar. Then, season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and let the sauce simmer on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a sauce that’s both rich and aromatic.
Cook the Mostaccioli
While the sauce is simmering, cook 1 pound of mostaccioli pasta according to the package instructions. Mostaccioli, with its tube-like shape, is perfect for holding onto the hearty sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the mostaccioli is cooked and drained, slowly add it to the simmering sauce. Stir gently as you add the pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated with the rich, savory sauce.
Plate and Garnish
Serve the Classic Beef Mostaccioli on a plate and garnish it with freshly chopped parsley, a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. These final touches add freshness, richness, and a bit of spice, elevating the dish to perfection.
Enjoy a Taste of Italy at Home
There’s something so satisfying about a homemade pasta dish, and this Classic Beef Mostaccioli is no exception. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table, with its comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone.
So why not give it a try? It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen. Buon appetito!