Crock-Pot Mostaccioli
A hearty crock-pot mostaccioli with savory meatballs, sausage, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings with bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian sausage
- 1 medium bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 c. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- Cooked mostaccioli ⓘ
- Parmesan Reggiano cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine parsley, oregano, pepper, chopped onion, and salt in a bowl and mix well.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet and set aside.
- Cut Italian sausage into 1 1/2-inch pieces and brown in the skillet until cooked through, then set aside with meatballs to drain.
- Place crushed tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, garlic, ground beef, Italian sausage, and bell pepper into the crock-pot.
- Break the raw ground beef into small pieces with your hands and add to the crock-pot.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Add the browned meatballs and sausage to the crock-pot.
- Stir everything together again.
- Set the crock-pot on low for 7 to 8 hours or medium for 4 1/2 hours.
- When cooked, skim off grease from the top as desired.
- Stir in cooked mostaccioli and mix well.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating red pepper flakes for some heat or substituting ground turkey for a lighter option. If you have leftover herbs, toss them into the mix for extra freshness. You can also use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have mostaccioli on hand. Browning the meatballs properly enhances their flavor, so don't rush this step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a nice touch. It also pairs beautifully with Cheese-Filled Italian Meat Loaf for a comforting dinner. For a special occasion, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crock-Pot Mostaccioli contains roughly 577 calories, with 53g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (107% of the Daily Value), potassium (76% of the Daily Value), and iron (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1424mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while mostaccioli is traditional, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or ziti. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing it in with the sauce, as it will absorb some of the liquid during reheating.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with plant-based meat alternatives. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of meat to maintain flavor. Feel free to load up on extra veggies for added texture and nutrition.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, try simmering the sauce uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking in the crock-pot. Another option is to add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water or a small amount of tomato paste to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).