Here’s a simple and delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner. It’s organized in steps, so you can easily follow along and have everything prepared without stress!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef, if preferred)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Cook the sausage (or beef):
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage (or ground beef) until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set aside. - Sauté the onion and garlic:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine the ingredients:
In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat, sautéed onion and garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Step 3: Cook the Ziti
- Add the uncooked ziti:
Stir the uncooked ziti pasta into the sauce mixture. Ensure that the pasta is submerged in the sauce as much as possible. If necessary, add a bit of water (about ½ cup) to make sure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta. - Cook in the slow cooker:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. Check after 1.5 hours (on high) or 3 hours (on low) to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as slow cooker temperatures can vary.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Finish Cooking
- Layer the cheeses:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt, about 15 minutes on low or keep warm setting.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
Once the cheese has melted and everything is bubbly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Enjoy!
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor! The slow cooker does all the work for you, and it’s perfect for busy days or making ahead for a family dinner. It’s also a great dish for leftovers that get even better the next day.