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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for Easy Family Dinners

Savor the warm, cheesy goodness of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, perfect for easy family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a leaner option.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks can work well.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced is best; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • 28 ounces Canned Tomatoes Substitute with crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
  • 2 cups Pasta Sauce Homemade sauce can elevate flavor.
  • 1 cup Broth Chicken or vegetable broth are great options.
For the Pasta
  • 3 cups Ziti or Penne Pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or rotini.
For the Cheesy Layer
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Experiment with other melting cheeses if desired.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Optional for additional flavor.
Herbs and Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh herbs can be used if available.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley Fresh herbs can be used if available.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef and 1 chopped onion, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the onions are softened.
  2. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture into a 4-quart slow cooker. Add 28 ounces of canned tomatoes, 2 cups of pasta sauce, and 1 cup of broth, stirring well to combine.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, uncover the slow cooker and stir in 3 cups of uncooked ziti pasta. Cover again and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the pasta is tender.
  6. Finally, uncover and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of ricotta cheese on top. Replace the lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  7. Dish up your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Check pasta for doneness 30 minutes before finishing to ensure it doesn’t turn mushy. Add cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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