Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, hearty pasta dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making an easy weeknight dinner. With layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of gooey mozzarella cheese, this slow cooker version requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring the pasta is tender and the flavors meld beautifully. This is an ideal set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Mix the Ricotta Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Ziti in the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add half of the uncooked ziti pasta to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour half of the marinara sauce and 1/2 cup of water or broth over the pasta. Layer with half of the cooked ground meat, half of the ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta can become too soft.
- Serve: Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the baked ziti sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Baked Ziti
- Layer Evenly: Make sure to evenly layer the ingredients in the slow cooker to ensure that the pasta cooks properly and absorbs all the flavors.
- Don’t Overcook: Cooking on low for 3-4 hours is ideal for perfectly tender pasta. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta, so keep an eye on the time.
- Use Beef Broth for Extra Flavor: Instead of water, using beef broth can add an extra depth of flavor to the sauce and pasta.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Omit the ground beef or sausage and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers, for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Ziti: Use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Lovers’ Ziti: Add more cheese! Try mixing in shredded provolone or adding a layer of ricotta mixed with fresh spinach for added creaminess.
FAQs
Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use other short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pastas may cook differently in the slow cooker.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe delivers delicious flavor without the need for constant attention. Just set it and let the slow cooker do all the work, and enjoy a warm, cheesy, and comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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