Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

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There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself, and this slow cooker baked ziti is exactly that. With minimal prep and a rich, comforting flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The pasta cooks to perfection right in the sauce, soaking up all the goodness of the seasonings, cheeses, and tomatoes. No need to boil the noodles—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings

With minimal prep and a rich, comforting flavor, this Baked Ziti dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The pasta cooks to perfection right in the sauce, soaking up all the goodness of the seasonings, cheeses, and tomatoes.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 can tomato sauce

  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 3 cups uncooked ziti pasta

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage (or beef) over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  • Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Add the uncooked ziti pasta and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
  • In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with Parmesan cheese. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or until the pasta is tender.
  • About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Scoop and enjoy!
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This slow cooker baked ziti delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a traditional baked ziti without the extra steps. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself, and this slow cooker baked ziti is exactly that. With minimal prep and a rich, comforting flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The pasta cooks to perfection right in the sauce, soaking up all the goodness of the seasonings, cheeses, and tomatoes. No need to boil the noodles—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Pin
Print

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

0.0 from 0 votes
Servings

4

servings

With minimal prep and a rich, comforting flavor, this Baked Ziti dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The pasta cooks to perfection right in the sauce, soaking up all the goodness of the seasonings, cheeses, and tomatoes.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 can tomato sauce

  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 3 cups uncooked ziti pasta

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  • In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage (or beef) over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is soft, about 3-4 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  • Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Add the uncooked ziti pasta and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
  • In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with Parmesan cheese. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the pasta in the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or until the pasta is tender.
  • About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let it melt.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Scoop and enjoy!
Pinterest

Like this recipe?

Follow @dinnerendeavor on Pinterest

This slow cooker baked ziti delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a traditional baked ziti without the extra steps. Pair it with a side salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal.