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Mexican Mostaccioli Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This Mexican Mostaccioli is an easy and budget-friendly dinner recipe that combines hearty ground beef, tangy picante sauce, stewed tomatoes, and tender mostaccioli pasta, topped with melted Mexican-style cheese. Perfect for stretching ground beef while serving a flavorful, comforting meal for the family.

Ingredients

Pasta & Protein

  • 1 (16 ounce) package mostaccioli pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef

Sauce & Toppings

  • 1 (24 ounce) jar picante sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce) can stewed tomatoes with juice
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican-style cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mostaccioli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the pound of ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add Sauces: Pour in the jar of picante sauce and the can of stewed tomatoes with their juice into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked mostaccioli pasta into the skillet with the meat sauce mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican-style cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and meat mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 3-5 minutes on low heat, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
  6. Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the Mexican mostaccioli onto plates and enjoy warm as a hearty family dinner.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Adjust the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot picante sauce according to your preference.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef while browning for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • This dish reheats well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/mexican-mostaccioli-recipe/