Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly, resulting in a cheesy, rich, and savory pasta dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked ground beef: This adds a hearty, meaty base to the ziti, providing both flavor and protein.
- 16 ounces dried ziti: The pasta that will soak up all the delicious flavors during cooking.
- 2 jars pasta sauce: Choose your favorite marinara or tomato-based sauce. This will be the primary source of flavor and moisture for the dish.
- 2 eggs: These will help bind the ricotta mixture, giving it a creamy texture.
- 15 ounces tomato sauce: Adds extra moisture and richness to the dish, ensuring the pasta is perfectly cooked.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness, making the dish indulgently delicious.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully, adding a gooey, cheesy layer throughout the dish.
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a golden, crispy top.
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the rich, cheesy ingredients.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef
- Cook the Beef: Start by cooking the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks, so it’s evenly crumbled.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- Mix the Ricotta: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and 1 cup of shredded Parmesan. Stir until well combined. The eggs will help bind the mixture, giving it a creamy, yet firm texture once cooked.
Step 3: Assemble the Baked Ziti in the Slow Cooker
- Layer the Ingredients: Begin by spreading a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- First Layer of Pasta: Add half of the dried ziti evenly over the sauce.
- Add the Beef: Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
- Sauce and Cheese: Pour 1 jar of pasta sauce over the ricotta layer, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and a handful of Parmesan.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ground beef, ricotta mixture, and 1 more jar of pasta sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The pasta will cook perfectly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and becoming tender.
- Check for Doneness: After about 4 hours, check to ensure the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish: Once the ziti is done, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Add Fresh Basil: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped basil over the top. This adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich, cheesy ziti.
- Serve Hot: Scoop the ziti into bowls or plates and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!
Tips for Success:
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Since this dish is cheese-heavy, using good-quality mozzarella and Parmesan will make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the ziti before it goes into the slow cooker. The pasta will continue to cook as it absorbs the sauce, so starting with fully cooked pasta can lead to mushy results.
- Add Vegetables: For a more balanced meal, consider adding some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the layers. They’ll cook down nicely and blend into the dish.
- Try Different Meats: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage would also work well in this recipe.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a delicious, comforting dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. The combination of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheeses, all cooked together in a slow cooker, makes this a go-to recipe for busy days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal that will provide leftovers for days, this baked ziti recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of this Italian-American classic
