Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
759 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Description
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe combines browned ground beef and onions with crushed tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and beef broth to create a flavorful sauce. The sauce is layered with ziti pasta and a creamy mixture of ricotta, egg, and Parmesan, topped with shredded mozzarella. Cooking in the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld as the pasta softens to tender perfection without dry edges.
The dish offers a comforting texture where the tender pasta soaks up the savory sauce, and the different cheeses provide creamy bursts throughout. This layered casserole-style meal showcases typical Italian-inspired ingredients but benefits from slow cooking for ease and flavor.
The baked ziti can be served straight from the crock pot for a casual dinner. It pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables if desired. The inclusion of common pantry staples makes it convenient for home kitchens.
Using block mozzarella cheese grated by hand improves melting quality and reduces greasiness. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to a week, and reheating preserves the creamy consistency of the pasta and sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (You can also use ground sausage or ground turkey)
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cans crushed tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Break up the meat as it cooks.
- Remove from heat and then mix in crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning and beef broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients together.
- In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg and parmesan cheese.
- Spread a small amount of the meat mixture into the bottom of the crock pot and make sure that the entire bottom is covered.
- Top with this mixture with 1/2 of the pasta and then pour 1/2 of the remaining sauce on top of the pasta.
- Place spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the sauce and sprinkle 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Then top with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese and remaining mozzarella on top.
- Cover and cook for 1 1/2 - 2 hours on high until the pasta is tender.
- Then top off the crock pot sit for 10-15 minutes. Then serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Grating block mozzarella cheese by hand helps achieve better melt and less grease.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 759 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 759kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 75g | 25% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 134mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 1209mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 1110mg | 24% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin A | 963IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 446mg | 45% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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