Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. With tender pasta, creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and gooey melted cheese, this baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser that can be made right in your slow cooker with minimal effort. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook until the sausage is browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix with Marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- Mix Ricotta: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Baked Ziti in the Slow Cooker
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer Pasta and Cheese: Add half of the uncooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, then half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and meat sauce.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Cook the Ziti
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Check for Doneness: Slow cookers vary, so check the pasta at the 3-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- No Pre-Boiling Needed: The uncooked pasta will cook perfectly in the slow cooker as it absorbs the sauce and flavors.
- Use High-Quality Marinara: A good marinara sauce makes all the difference in this dish. Choose one you enjoy, or make your own.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a vegetarian baked ziti.
- Spicy Ziti: Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a bit of heat.
- Extra Cheesy: Add more cheese layers by sprinkling additional mozzarella or even provolone between the pasta layers.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: Pair with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ziti.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini make a great side dish for added nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in the slow cooker, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just increase the cooking time slightly if cooking from cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! Let the ziti cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Ziti or penne are ideal for this recipe, but you can also use rigatoni or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Sausage?
Yes, ground beef or even ground turkey can be used instead of Italian sausage. You may need to add extra seasoning to match the flavor of sausage.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy this delicious, no-fuss meal with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
