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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
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A comforting, hands-off Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe featuring tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for busy nights, this easy, customizable dish cooks all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, delivering a warm, cheesy meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz ziti pasta (half-cooked)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Protein (Optional)

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

Garnishes

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce and Meat (if using): In a skillet, sauté minced garlic and chopped onions until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let simmer gently for a few minutes to blend flavors.
  2. Cook the Pasta Slightly: Boil the ziti pasta for about 4-5 minutes until halfway cooked. Drain well to prevent mushiness during slow cooking.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Spread a layer of sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half of the pasta, dollops of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, then repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
  4. Cook the Baked Ziti: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for about 2 hours, allowing cheese to melt and sauce to soak into pasta.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: About five minutes before serving, sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover again and let cheese melt for a golden finish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Partially cook pasta to al dente to avoid sogginess.
  • Distribute cheeses evenly throughout layers for melty pockets.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
  • If sauce seems thick, add a splash of water or broth before cooking.
  • Cooking on low heat gives the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, baked ziti, easy dinner, comfort food, one pot meal, Italian, family-friendly

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/slow-cooker-baked-ziti/