Ultimate Slow Cooked Beef and Mostaccioli
A delightful harmony of flavors with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, melty cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef Offers a tender yet hearty bite
- 1 medium onion, chopped Adds depth and sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For an aromatic kick
- 1 piece green bell pepper, chopped Adds freshness and crunch
For the Sauce
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce Serves as a flavorful base
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes Adds a juicy, tangy richness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Offers a hint of earthiness
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Provides an aromatic flourish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For just the right amount of heat
For the Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups mostaccioli pasta, uncooked Creates the perfect vehicle for sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully into a gooey top layer
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a savory finish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain the fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and let it simmer on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, stir in the uncooked mostaccioli pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top and cover again.
- Cook on low for an additional hour, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of home-style cooking!
Notes
Consider sautéing vegetables in olive oil for extra flavor. You can add red pepper flakes for spice and top with fresh basil or parsley for color.