Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy families. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melty mozzarella cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite. Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do all the work! This easy, cheesy dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. Delicious, fuss-free, and packed with flavor it’s a must-try recipe for any pasta lover!
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (650 ml) jar pasta sauce (about 2½ cups)
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable broth)
1 (375g) box Penne, Ziti, or short pasta (about 4 cups)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion. Stir in garlic, salt, dried basil, and parsley; cook for 1 minute. (Shortcut: Add raw onion and spices directly into the slow cooker to save time!)
2. Transfer the beef mixture to a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth; stir to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Switch the slow cooker to high. Stir in the pasta, cover, and cook for 15-30 minutes, stirring at the 15-minute mark.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ziti, cover, and let it melt for 3-5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ziti Recipe
Quick Prep Time: Perfect for busy weekdays.
Family-Friendly: A comforting, cheesy pasta dish everyone loves.
Set It and Forget It: Let your slow cooker do the work!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Baked Ziti:
Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Swap in whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a nutritional boost.
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