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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty pasta dish perfect for busy nights. Featuring tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses slow-cooked to bubbly perfection, this recipe is an effortless, family-friendly meal that requires minimal prep and one-pot cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz dried ziti pasta
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 lb Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tsp Italian herbs
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Sauce: Boil the dried ziti pasta for about half the time indicated on the package until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, sauté minced garlic and diced onion in a skillet until fragrant. Add Italian sausage or ground beef if using, and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and herbs, letting the flavors meld together.
  2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking. Add half of the pasta, then dollops of ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with remaining pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella. Finish with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese on top.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to maintain consistent temperature.
  4. Let It Rest: Once cooking is complete, allow the dish to rest in the slow cooker for about 10 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and allows flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

  • Cook pasta partially (about half time) to avoid mushy texture, as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker.
  • Layer cheese evenly between pasta layers for gooey, consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use a thick marinara sauce or homemade sauce to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
  • Cooking times vary by slow cooker model; check doneness at 3 hours to avoid overcooking.
  • Allow the dish to rest after cooking to enhance flavor and ease serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, baked ziti, Italian, pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, casserole, family meal

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