Description
Easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti with cheese, pasta, and meat sauce – a simple and comforting crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta, cooked to al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions)
- 2 jars (24 oz/680g each) marinara sauce
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef or Italian sausage, browned (optional)
- 2 cups (450g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon (3g) dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your pasta by cooking it in heavily salted water for about 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. You want it quite firm as it will continue cooking in the crock pot. Drain well but do not rinse – the starchy exterior helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Step 2: Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat if using meat in your Easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti. Add the diced onion and minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking and sauté until fragrant. Drain any excess fat, then mix in half of your marinara sauce and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, create your cheese mixture by combining the ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, half the Parmesan, beaten eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well incorporated – this creamy mixture will create pockets of cheesy goodness throughout your dish.
- Step 4: It’s time to assemble your layers! Lightly coat your 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Start with a thin layer of plain marinara sauce, then add half the cooked ziti, spreading it evenly. Top with half of your meat sauce mixture, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture over that. Don’t worry about spreading the ricotta perfectly – those uneven pockets will create delightful surprises in each serving.
- Step 5: Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture. Pour the remaining plain marinara evenly over the top, then sprinkle with your reserved mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Step 6: Cover and cook your Easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges begin to bubble. For a slightly crispy top (similar to oven-baked ziti), carefully remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Step 7: Once finished, let the baked ziti rest uncovered for 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period allows it to set up properly, making it easier to portion and serve. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before bringing it to the table.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg