4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baked Mostaccioli

Baked Mostaccioli

There’s something special about a warm pasta dish that slowly cooks all day and fills the house with rich, comforting aromas. For generations, baked pasta recipes have been a staple of family dinners because they are hearty, affordable, and incredibly satisfying. Mostaccioli, a smooth tube-shaped pasta similar to penne, is perfect for soaking up flavorful sauces and melted cheese.

With today’s busy schedules, the slow cooker has become one of the most helpful tools in the kitchen. Instead of watching the oven or boiling multiple pots, you can simply add a few ingredients to the crockpot and let it do the work. This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baked Mostaccioli is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious meal with very little effort.

As the pasta cooks slowly in the sauce, it absorbs all the rich flavors while the cheese melts into a creamy, comforting layer on top. The result is a classic Italian-style pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from a family kitchen, but requires only minutes of preparation.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for easy slow cooker dinners, budget-friendly family meals, or simple crockpot pasta recipes that still deliver big flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 4 simple ingredients

• Perfect easy crockpot family dinner

• Rich cheesy comfort food

• Great for busy weeknights

• Minimal prep and easy cleanup

Ingredients

• 1 pound mostaccioli pasta (uncooked)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

2. Spread half of the uncooked mostaccioli in the slow cooker.

3. Add half of the cooked ground beef and half of the pasta sauce.

4. Repeat with the remaining pasta, beef, and sauce.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until the pasta is tender.

6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

7. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt before serving.

Recipe Notes

• If the pasta looks dry while cooking, add ½ cup of water or broth.

• You can substitute Italian sausage for ground beef for extra flavor.

• Adding Parmesan cheese on top before serving gives it a richer taste.

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.