Ultimate Slow Cooked Beef and Mostaccioli
A comforting dish featuring succulent beef with tender pasta and rich marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef Perfectly seasoned for maximum flavor
- 1 medium onion, chopped Adds mild sweetness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances aroma
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped Provides crunchy texture
For the Sauce
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce Rich and lusciously complete
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes Adds freshness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Provides earthy depth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Elevates flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt For seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice
For the Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups mostaccioli pasta, uncooked Ready to absorb flavors
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For a gooey finish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a touch of sharpness
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, browning it thoroughly for about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
Cooking
- Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, stir in uncooked mostaccioli, ensuring it is well coated with the sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
- Cover and cook on low for an additional hour until the pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Consider adding red pepper flakes for extra kick or spinach in the last hour for added nutrition. Using pre-cooked beef can save time, just heat to the desired internal temperature before mixing it with other ingredients.