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Delicious 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baked Mostaccioli prepared in a ceramic dish

4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Baked Mostaccioli

A delicious and easy meal made with only four main ingredients, perfect for busy days and family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1 pound uncooked mostaccioli pasta
  • 48 ounces jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce
Cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lightly grease a large oval slow cooker with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the uncooked mostaccioli and jarred marinara sauce, stirring well.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of mozzarella cheese with 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Layering
  1. Spoon one-third of the sauced mostaccioli into the slow cooker and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture on top.
  2. Repeat the process with another one-third of the mostaccioli and the remaining cheese mixture.
  3. Finally, top with the last one-third of the mostaccioli.
  4. Combine the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle it over the top.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. Check the doneness around the 2 1/2-hour mark, cooking until the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbling.
  2. For a browned top, you can use a broiler for an additional 3 to 5 minutes if desired.
Serving
  1. Let sit before serving. Serve hot, paired with a side salad and garlic bread, and optionally sprinkle with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Notes

Feel free to add cooked ground meat or vegetables for extra flavor. Use your favorite type of marinara to customize the taste. For a cheesier version, add more mozzarella or Parmesan. This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by sautéing and adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.