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.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

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
• 0 grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to combine.

Step 6

Season the sauce with basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Stir in the chopped parsley just before serving.

Step 9

Serve the sauce hot over cooked mostaccioli or your favorite pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2138.2 grams (2138.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1709

Total Fat 118.80g	152%
Saturated Fat 38.30g	191%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 305mg	102%
Sodium 3380mg	147%
Total Carbohydrate 80.60g	29%
Dietary Fiber 18.90g	68%
Total Sugars 46.70g
Protein 92.90g	186%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 395mg	30%
Iron 17mg	92%
Potassium 3562mg	76%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.6%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 18.3%