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If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make Italian dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the answer! Packed with ground beef or sausage, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, this slow cooker version of a classic baked ziti is a guaranteed hit. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just brown, layer, and let the crockpot do the work!
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Cheesy, meaty, and totally satisfying.
- Perfect for Crowds: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Use your favorite pasta, meat, or cheese.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 1 pound ground beef or ground sausage
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 garlic clove (minced) or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) jar tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 (16-ounce) box ziti pasta (uncooked)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion over medium heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Set aside.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture
- In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
3. Layer in the Crockpot
- Grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Pour 1/3 of the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot.
- Scatter 1/3 of the uncooked ziti on top of the sauce.
- Spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, ziti, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
- Top with the remaining ziti and sauce.
4. Cook
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours, until the pasta is tender. Be careful not to overcook, or the ziti will become soggy.
5. Add the Cheese Topping
- Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Baked Ziti
- Use High-Quality Sauce: For the best flavor, use a high-quality pasta sauce or make your own.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish (without cooking) and store it in the fridge overnight. Cook as directed when ready to eat.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Serving Ideas
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
- For Parties: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
- As a Main Dish: Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or even lasagna noodles work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Can I bake this in the oven instead?
Yes! Assemble the dish in a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer
This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—meaty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to use pantry staples!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to please, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the answer. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
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Crock Pot Baked Ziti: A Meaty, Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser
Description
If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make Italian dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the answer! Packed with ground beef or sausage, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, this slow cooker version of a classic baked ziti is a guaranteed hit. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or ground sausage
1 medium onion (diced)
1 garlic clove (minced) or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
1 (15-ounce) jar tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 (16-ounce) box ziti pasta (uncooked)
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with the diced onion over medium heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the pasta sauce and tomato sauce. Set aside.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined.
3. Layer in the Crockpot
Grease a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Pour 1/3 of the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot.
Scatter 1/3 of the uncooked ziti on top of the sauce.
Spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.
Repeat the layers: sauce, ziti, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
Top with the remaining ziti and sauce.
4. Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours, until the pasta is tender. Be careful not to overcook, or the ziti will become soggy.
5. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Cover and let sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
For Parties: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
As a Main Dish: Pair with a side salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
