Description
This Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe delivers all the comfort of classic baked ziti with the ease of slow cooker magic. Enjoy tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 48 ounces pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite)
- 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano into the beef and onion mixture. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Pour one jar (about half) of the pasta sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Prepare your slow cooker by spraying the insert with nonstick spray or lining it. Pour half of the remaining pasta sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer half of the uncooked ziti noodles over the sauce. Spoon half of the meat sauce mixture over the ziti.
- Dot half of the ricotta cheese over the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese and one cup of the shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers: Pour the rest of the pasta sauce over the cheese, followed by the remaining uncooked ziti, and then the rest of the meat sauce. Smooth the top layer.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining one cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Replace the lid to allow the cheese to melt and become golden.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve your Crockpot Baked Ziti hot.
Notes
- For easier cleanup, spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or use a liner.
- Cooking on low for 6 hours is recommended for best flavor development. Cooking on high for 3 hours is an alternative.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or oven. Add a little water or sauce when reheating in the microwave to prevent drying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 344mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 77mg