There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta dish, especially when it requires minimal effort. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a lifesaver for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish delivers all the flavors of a traditional baked pasta with the convenience of a slow cooker. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd without the hassle of layering like traditional lasagna.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors as it slowly simmers to perfection. Whether you prefer beef, sausage, or a meat-free version, this baked ziti is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a fresh green salad, some warm garlic bread, and a refreshing drink, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce of choice
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, mix the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the uncooked ziti, ensuring it is well-coated with the sauce.
- Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta mixture.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Nutritional & Dietary Information:
This slow cooker baked ziti is a well-rounded meal rich in carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle maintenance, and healthy fats from the cheeses. If using leaner meat or a vegetarian alternative, the fat content decreases while still providing ample flavor. It contains dairy, making it unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance unless a dairy-free cheese substitute is used. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make it celiac-friendly.
Variations & Tips:
- Swap ground beef or sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-sensitive adaptation, but check for doneness sooner as it may cook faster.
- If you enjoy spice, add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce for an extra kick.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
If you loved this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! Your feedback helps improve and inspire more delicious meals, so drop a comment and let me know how it turned out for you. Have a variation of your own? I’d love to hear it! Let’s make cooking simple, fun, and delicious together!