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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting pasta dish made entirely in the crockpot, combining ground beef, aromatic herbs, tomatoes, marinara sauce, and penne pasta topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It simplifies the traditional baked ziti preparation by cooking everything in one pot, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28oz or 798ml)
  • 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340g)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned, approximately 5 minutes. This step develops flavor and ensures the beef is fully cooked before slow cooking.
  2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas and blend flavors.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
  5. Add Pasta: Turn the slow cooker temperature to high. Add the uncooked pasta, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Check and stir at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the slow cooker from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese has melted and is deliciously gooey.

Notes

  • This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is made entirely in the crockpot — even the pasta! This makes it much easier than the traditional baked version but maintains the same rich flavors.
  • Be sure to stir the pasta at least once during cooking, so it doesn’t stick together or to the sides of the crockpot.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness since the recipe already includes salt and cheese.
  • If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner variation.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 645 grams
  • Calories: 587
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1618 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/slow-cooker-baked-ziti-recipe/