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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make Italian pasta dish slow-cooked to perfection. Combining tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheeses, this hands-off recipe delivers a hearty meal ideal for busy nights, family dinners, or meal prep without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz ziti pasta (slightly undercooked)
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Meat (optional)

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (basil, oregano blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce and Meat: Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with finely chopped onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and fragrant. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to develop flavors.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil ziti pasta until just shy of al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than package instructions, to prevent overcooking in the slow cooker.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  4. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture evenly into the slow cooker, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top to create a golden cheese crust.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours or on high for 1 to 1.5 hours, until cheese is bubbly, sauce is hot, and pasta is tender but not mushy.
  6. Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Scoop generous portions onto plates and enjoy.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta—undercook slightly to avoid mushy texture after slow cooking.
  • Use whole-milk cheeses for a creamier melt and richer flavor.
  • Layer cheese on top for a beautiful golden crust and extra flavor.
  • Stir gently halfway through cooking if possible to redistribute heat and flavors.
  • Keep the lid closed during cooking to maintain heat and ensure proper cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked ziti, baked ziti, cheesy pasta bake, slow cooker pasta, Italian comfort food

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