Ultimate Slow Cooked Beef and Mostaccioli
A comforting dish featuring tender ground beef, savory seasonings, and creamy mozzarella with warm pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
For the meat and vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef Freshly browned for rich flavor
- 1 medium onion, chopped For sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced To kick it up a notch
For the sauce
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce Providing a luscious base
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes Adding depth and freshness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano For herbal warmth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Enhancing the Italian flavor profile
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Balancing the dish perfectly
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Giving it a slight kick
For the pasta and cheese
- 2 cups mostaccioli pasta, uncooked Perfect for soaking up the sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Resulting in a gooey, cheesy topping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Finishing it off with a rich, nutty taste
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain the fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Slow Cooking
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, stir in the uncooked mostaccioli pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover again and cook on low for an additional hour or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
Serving
- Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors.
Notes
Brown the beef thoroughly to enhance flavor. Consider adding crushed red pepper for heat or sneaking in chopped zucchini or spinach. You can substitute with different cheeses for unique flavors.