Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti offers cheesy savory comfort food for any meal Enjoy this delicious onepot dish that brings everyone to the table
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound Ziti Pasta
1 pound Ground Beef
3 cups Marinara Sauce
15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
4 cloves Garlic, minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Mix in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Add the cooked pasta and the meat sauce mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer half of the pasta mixture on the bottom, then add a layer of remaining mozzarella on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and finish with a final layer of mozzarella.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the edges may start to brown slightly.
Once cooked, remove the lid and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired with fresh basil or additional Parmesan.
