This Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe is a simple and satisfying dish that combines pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare a hearty meal with minimal effort.
Using a Crockpot for this recipe ensures that the flavors meld beautifully while the pasta cooks to a tender consistency. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as ground meat or additional vegetables.
Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
This baked ziti features layers of ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheeses, all cooked slowly in the Crockpot. The recipe takes about 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat (if using): In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the Crockpot, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cooked meat (if using). Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top layer.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes on low or 2 hours 15 minutes on high
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
