Description
A simple and delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe that combines pasta, meat, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess fat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined.
- In the slow cooker, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Before serving, sprinkle the baked ziti with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of your favorite vegetables.
- Add extra flavor by mixing in some chopped bell peppers or olives into the meat sauce before layering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg