Baked Mostaccioli With Sausage And Peppers Food

MY FAMOUS 'BAKED' MOSTACCIOLI

Steps:

• Cook mostaccioli noodles according to box directions, drain and set aside.
• Place Italian sausage links in a large, deep skillet and add enough water to go half way up sides of sausage links and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Simmer until cooked through and water is almost evaporated (about 25-30 minutes).
• While the sausage links are simmering, in a large bowl combine the spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, picante sauce, garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasonings to your preferred taste.
• When all water is evaporated and links are cooked though, brown on all sides in the remaining oil in the skillet (adding more if needed). Once browned, remove from skillet and set aside.
• Add ground beef, onion and bell pepper to the same skillet and brown the meat until just barely pink (do not over cook the beef). Drain any excess grease from the skillet with a large spoon while leaving the beef and veggies in there.
• Slice the Italian sausage links into 1/4" thick slices and add back to the skillet.
• Add the spaghetti sauce mixture to the skillet and gently simmer 30 minutes to blend the ingredients and flavors.
• Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to 375*F.
• Pour the mostaccioli noodles into a large, deep aluminum baking pan (I use the big, deep rectangle, disposable ones because I don't want to wash the pan, and I'm usually asked to bring this dish to get-togethers).
• Sprinkle half (1 pound) of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Pour the meat and sauce from skillet over the cheese. Gently mix until all noodles are coated and cheese is incorporated thoroughly. Smooth top surface and evenly sprinkle on remaining cheese.
• *Note: I've also used a couple of the smaller disposable pans and only bake one, while the other one I cover and freeze (without baking), to make later in the month (just thaw a bit before baking, stir, adding a touch of water if needed, then add final topping of cheese, bake).
• Bake uncoverd on center rack for 45 minutes.
• Serve with garlic toast, salad and Italian dressing. Enjoy!

THE BEST BAKED MOSTACCIOLI

Steps:

• Heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, a good pinch of salt and several grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and sausage; cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until crumbled, golden brown and no longer pink, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic, tomato paste, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), 1 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper; cook, stirring, until the garlic is tender and the tomato paste is thoroughly combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, parsley sprigs and 1/4 cup water and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then cover partially with a lid and reduce the heat to medium low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, stir together the ricotta, 1/4 cup of the Pecorino Romano, the egg, remaining 1/4 teaspoon oregano, pinch of salt and a couple grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and combined; set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Once the meat sauce is finished cooking, remove the parsley sprigs and discard. Stir in the al dente mostaccioli until well coated.
• Transfer half of the pasta and sauce to the prepared baking dish, then spread the ricotta mixture on top in an even layer with a rubber spatula or small offset spatula. Top with the remaining pasta and sauce, followed by the mozzarella, then the remaining 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano.
• Cover the baking dish with foil and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is bubbling at the edges, 10 to 15 minutes more. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

BAKED MOSTACCIOLI WITH PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat oil in large skillet.
• Brown the ground beef.
• Add the peppers and onions.
• Drain off any fat.
• Stir in pasta sauce, 2 Tbs. parmesan, oregano, 1 cup mozzarella, and pasta.
• Put mixture in a 13x9 baking dish.
• Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
• Bake uncovered 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

MOSTACCIOLI (BAKED PASTA WITH CREAMY SAUCE & ITALIAN SAUSAG

Steps:

• Cook both boxes of noodles until they are semi done.
• Drain and set aside, but do not rinse.
• Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a saucepot.
• Add minced garlic (more or less if desired).
• Slowly add heavy whipping cream to melted butter and garlic mixture.
• Bring sauce to a slow simmer, then add 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese.
• Stir until melted.
• Let sauce simmer on low.
• Break into pieces and brown Italian sausage.
• Add 2 thinly sliced peppers to meat mixture.
• When both are fully cooked, dump them into the sauce.
• Saute sliced mushrooms in 1 Tbsp butter seasoned with salt and pepper.
• When cooked, add to sauce.
• Place tomatoes in a food processor and process until blended with chunks.
• Add fresh basil to taste (don't be stingy - a lot is better).
• Add diced garlic to taste.
• Add olive oil.
• Don't be afraid to start small and add more basil, garlic and oil as you go.
• This tomato mixture can be made a day early; let set in refrigerator overnight.
• Add this dish to the sauce.
• Bring the huge pot to a boil, let it simmer just a minute or two.
• Take the penne noodles and divide them into the two 9x13-inch pans, spreading them out evenly.
• Divide sauce into each pan filled with the noodles and mix it with the noodles.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of both pans.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

ITALIAN-STYLE SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausages; cook until browned on all sides, following cooking instructions indicated on the packaging. Remove sausages from the pan. Drain grease, leaving about a tablespoon for the vegetables.
• Cook peppers and onions in skillet over medium heat until they begin to soften. Add garlic, salt, and pepper and cook one more minute.
• Stir in Classico Tomato & Basil Sauce. Increase heat until sauce begins to boil; reduce heat and simmer over low heat.
• Cut the sausages into 1-inch pieces; add to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the peppers and onions are soft, about 10 minutes.
• Serve in bowls or on rolls as sandwiches.