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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for Cozy Family Nights

Enjoy a heartwarming Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, a comforting classic featuring layers of pasta, marinara, and melty cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage Substitute with ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian option.
For the Sauce
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Choose store-bought or homemade for better quality.
  • 15 oz Crushed Tomatoes Can be replaced with additional marinara sauce if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme as an alternative.
  • to taste Salt and Black Pepper Adjust to taste for personal preference.
For the Pasta and Cheese
  • 1 lb Ziti Pasta Substitute with penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can replace with cottage cheese for a lighter texture.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Swap with provolone for a unique flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Could replace with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
For Garnish
  • Fresh Basil Optional for garnish; substitute with parsley or omit entirely.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage for 6-8 minutes.
  2. Transfer the browned meat into the slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and seasoning to taste. Stir well.
  3. Add uncooked ziti pasta to the slow cooker and fold gently into the meat and sauce mixture without stirring.
  4. Scoop ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta mixture and do not stir; let it sit on top.
  5. Cover and set to cook on LOW for 3-4 hours until the pasta is tender. Avoid cooking on HIGH.
  6. About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Replace the lid.
  7. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve hot and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, ensure the meat is browned before adding to the slow cooker. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days or freeze for later meals.

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