Description
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with minimal effort. With layers of savory flavors and gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect comfort food for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Sauce and Pasta:
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 650 ml jar pasta sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable)
- 375 gram box Penne or Ziti (or other short pasta, about 4 cups)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic, salt, basil, and parsley and cook for 1 minute. (You can also add the raw onion and spices directly into the slow cooker if desired.)
- Combine Ingredients: Add the beef mixture, tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Add Pasta: Turn the slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or additional seasonings.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat with plant-based meat alternatives.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, Italian Pasta Recipe, Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
