Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a cheesy and hearty dish that combines pasta, meat, and a rich marinara sauce, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It's perfect for a comforting family meal.
Servings 6
Calories 400kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion until browned and onions are translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then drain excess fat.
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook ziti pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the meat mixture with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti in the slow cooker, followed by half of the meat mixture and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering with the remaining ziti, meat mixture, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving for better texture.