Mostaccioli Sauce
Rich, hearty, and bursting with bold Italian flavors, this homemade Mostaccioli Sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite pasta dishes. Made with a savory blend of ground beef or Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and sweet onions, this sauce gets its robust depth from crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a touch of tomato paste. Aromatic seasonings like basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) bring an authentic Italian touch, while a hint of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Simmered to perfection for a velvety texture and finished with fresh parsley, this sauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it generously over al dente mostaccioli for a comforting meal, and don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan for a perfect finish! Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers.
Train Anywhere. No Excuses.
Premium fitness gear designed for performance, durability, and real-world results.
From home to gym to on-the-go
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to combine.
Season the sauce with basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.
Serve the sauce hot over cooked mostaccioli or your favorite pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.5 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 766 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.4 g | ||
| Protein | 16.8 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 906 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
