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–+ servings
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for Easy Family Dinners

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti combines tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and layers of melting cheese for a crowd-pleasing family dinner.
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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 You can substitute with ground turkey or sausage for a lean option.
  • 1 medium Onion Shallots or leeks can work as alternatives.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced is best.
  • 14 ounces Canned Tomatoes Can substitute with crushed tomatoes or tomato puree.
  • 24 ounces Pasta Sauce Homemade sauce can elevate the flavor.
  • 1 cup Broth Chicken or vegetable broth are great options.
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Ziti or Penne Pasta Feel free to swap in other pasta shapes.
For the Cheesy Layer
  • 1 cup Cheese (Mozzarella) Experiment with other melting cheeses.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
Herbs and Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh herbs can also be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley to the meat mixture. Cook for an additional minute.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir until combined.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked ziti, cover and cook until pasta is tender.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella and ricotta on top, cover, and cook until melted.
  7. Serve warm with a side salad and garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, check pasta doneness 30 minutes before the cook time is up. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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