In our house, we call it ‘Lazy Day Ziti.’ It’s so good, no one would guess how effortless it is!
This hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. The rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella cheese combine to create a truly satisfying meal.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or Italian sausage | 1 pound |
| Marinara sauce | 1 jar (24 ounces) |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (15 ounces) |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Ziti pasta | 1 pound |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh basil | For garnish (optional) |
Instructions:
- Cook the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
- Combine ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked ziti pasta, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Top with ricotta: Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until the pasta is tender.
- Add cheese: During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
