Mostaccioli is a simple baked pasta dish that’s flavorful and delicious!
Years ago while visiting my uncle in Chicago, he made this dish for our family and I fell in love. I asked for the recipe and he refused. He said it was a man’s recipe and that he would give the recipe to my dad and brothers for them to make it for me. Of course, I couldn’t let that stand. I was all for my dad and brothers learning how to make this dish for us to enjoy but I just had to learn how to make it as well.
I am glad I didn’t give in and learned how to make Mostaccioli myself for it has become a favorite family recipe that even my picky kids enjoy. Best of all it’s quick and easy to make so we can enjoy it even on busy days.
Mostaccioli
Mostaccioli is an easy-to-make Italian baked pasta dish that has noodles, ground pork, and pasta sauce and is topped with mozzarella cheese. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that your whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) Package of Penne Pasta
- 1 Tbl Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2lbs Ground Pork (I use mild or original if making for kids)
- 16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 24 oz bottle of Pasta Sauce (I prefer Bertolli Rosted Garlic)
Instructions
Place a large pot of water to boil* (Add Oil and Salt to the water)
Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions (for about 10 minutes)
Place ground pork in a saucepan and thoroughly cook on Med-Hi heat
When Pasta is finished boiling strain out the water and set it aside.
Once the pork is finished cooking strain out any extra grease and then add pasta sauce and 2/3 a cup of shredded cheese and cook down.
mix noodles and pork mixture together and pour into a 9x13in Pan
Cover the top with the rest of the shredded cheese
Bake in the oven at 350° Until cheese is completely melted (about 5-7 minutes)
Serve
Notes
**I usually cook the pasta and ground pork at the same time. whichever finished first I set aside until the other is done then mix together. This cuts down on prep time.
Over the years I have tried out variations of this dish by adding chopped-up onions and bell peppers or switching the meat to chicken or chicken sausage and we have enjoyed each version. However, this original version is by far my family’s favorite. It is a simple dish, yet full of delicious flavor in every bite.
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