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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.3 from 35 reviews

This delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti features tender ground beef, a savory mix of tomatoes and marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all slow-cooked to meld the flavors beautifully. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it’s an easy, comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy days.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28oz or 798ml)
  • 2½ cups marinara sauce
  • 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese

  • 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340g)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. This step develops rich flavor in the meat base.
  2. Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook for an additional 1 minute to toast the herbs and incorporate the garlic flavor.
  3. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the beef mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes with liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine thoroughly.
  4. Slow cook the sauce base: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to develop a rich taste.
  5. Add pasta and cook: Turn the slow cooker to high heat. Add the uncooked dry penne or ziti pasta and stir until combined with the sauce. Cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring and checking at the 15-minute mark, until the pasta is al dente.
  6. Add cheese and melt: Remove the slow cooker from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the mozzarella melts and becomes creamy.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Check pasta cooking time carefully; different brands may vary in cooking speed.
  • Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste to control sodium levels.
  • This recipe can be doubled if you have a larger slow cooker.
  • Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/slow-cooker-baked-ziti-recipe/