Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, easy-to-make pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or weekends when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. Layered with flavorful marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella, this dish cooks slowly to perfection, making the pasta tender and the cheese bubbly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a meatier version)
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade sauce)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 3 cups uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (optional for ricotta mixture)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if browning meat)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• 1 cup baby spinach or sliced mushrooms for added vegetables
• ½ teaspoon crushed fennel seeds for an Italian twist

For Serving:

• Garlic bread
• A side salad

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat (Optional)

1. If using ground beef or Italian sausage, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and set the cooked meat aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg (optional for creaminess), basil, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add a layer of uncooked ziti (about 1/3 of the pasta).
3. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
4. If using, add a layer of the browned meat.
5. Repeat the layers: sauce, pasta, ricotta mixture, cheese, and meat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Ziti

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Once cooked, uncover and let the dish sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for extra flavor and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Cooking Notes

• Pasta: You don’t need to cook the pasta beforehand. The slow cooker will make the pasta tender as it absorbs the sauce. Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta by monitoring the cooking time.
• Cheese: For extra cheesiness, add more mozzarella or even some provolone slices between the layers.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version. You can also use plant-based crumbles.

2. Spicy Baked Ziti

Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

3. Four-Cheese Baked Ziti

Mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone cheese for an extra cheesy version. This gives the ziti a richer, creamier flavor.

4. Spinach and Artichoke Baked Ziti

Layer in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts with the pasta for a twist on the classic spinach-artichoke flavor combination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the layers in the slow cooker the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and then cook it the next day. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven.

Q: Can I freeze Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
Yes! Once the baked ziti has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free ziti or penne can be used in this recipe, but be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ziti, you can use penne, rigatoni, or elbow macaroni.

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is an easy, comforting dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With layers of pasta, cheese, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prep. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy this simple and satisfying dish.