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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish combining zesty marinara, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ideal for busy nights, this hearty, cheesy baked ziti requires minimal prep and slow cooking, delivering a rich, flavorful meal with simple ingredients and one-pot cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  • 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Protein (Optional)

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Aromatics & Seasoning

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Olive oil drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Boil the ziti pasta until just al dente to prevent overcooking in the slow cooker. In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with minced garlic and diced onion until fully cooked and fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. Repeat the layers and top with remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top for a golden crust.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors and melts the cheese until bubbly and comforting.
  4. Let It Rest: After cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; boiling al dente prevents mushiness during slow cooking.
  • Layer the cheese evenly to ensure gooey goodness in every bite.
  • Use a high-quality marinara sauce made with fresh tomatoes and herbs for the best flavor.
  • Add fresh basil or parsley after cooking to maintain their bright and fresh flavor.
  • Cook on low rather than high heat to ensure consistent texture and flavor development.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked ziti, baked ziti, slow cooker Italian recipe, easy baked ziti, slow cooker pasta, comfort food, casserole

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/slow-cooker-baked-ziti/