Description
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that combines gooey mozzarella, rich marinara sauce, and hearty pasta, all simmered to perfection in one pot. This easy-to-make dish is ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; combine well.
- In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella.
- Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: start with marinara, followed by ziti, meat mixture, and cheese blend. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add veggies like mushrooms or spinach. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.