BAKED MOSTACCIOLI WITH ITALIAN SAUSAGE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add in the onion and garlic, and cook until just tender and translucent, about 3 minutes. Make sure to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Italian sausage mixture, cooked pasta and pasta sauce until well combined.
• Layer half of the pasta mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Spoon the remaining pasta mixture into the dish to form a second layer.
• Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This double-decker layering approach means there will be plenty of cheesy flavor throughout the whole dish.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

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!