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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s the ultimate hands-off dinner—perfect for busy days or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Casseroles, Comfort Food, Main Course, Pasta Dishes, Slow Cooker Recipes
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 8
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta uncooked
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup water

Instructions
 

  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
  • Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooked beef, marinara sauce, water, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Layer half the uncooked ziti in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add half the meat sauce mixture, then dollop half the ricotta over it. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
  • Turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcal
Keyword crockpot, make-ahead, marinara, mozzarella, slow cooker, ziti
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