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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti offers a remarkably easy and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy a classic Italian-American comfort food, making weeknight dinners a breeze. This recipe is your ticket to a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 pounds ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium Bowl
  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and/or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
    2 pounds ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination), 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic
  2. Drain any excess liquid from the skillet. Return the meat mixture to the skillet. Add the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
    1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, chopped fresh parsley, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined and forms a creamy, homogenous mixture.
    1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  4. Lightly grease your slow cooker insert with cooking spray or a little oil. Spread about one-third of the meat sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.
  5. Arrange half of the uncooked ziti pasta in a single layer over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
    1 pound ziti pasta, 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  6. Spoon another third of the meat sauce mixture over the ricotta layer. Add the remaining half of the uncooked ziti pasta in a single layer. Top with the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, spreading it as evenly as possible.
    1 pound ziti pasta, 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
  7. Pour the remaining meat sauce mixture over the top, ensuring all the pasta and ricotta are covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top surface.
    2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cooking time can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker's efficiency.
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove the lid (watch out for steam!). Let the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.