Lazy Day Ziti: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Pasta Recipe
Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea? Try this Lazy Day Ziti! Made with minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow cooker baked ziti recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With gooey cheese, hearty marinara sauce, and tender ziti pasta, it’s comfort food at its best.
Ingredients for Lazy Day Ziti
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (use your favorite brand)
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 pound ziti pasta
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Lazy Day Ziti
1. Cook the Meat:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Mixture:
In your slow cooker, combine the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
3. Add the Pasta:
Mix in the uncooked ziti pasta, ensuring every piece is well-coated with the sauce.
4. Add Ricotta Cheese:
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly over the pasta mixture.
5. Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the ziti is tender.
6. Add the Cheese Topping:
In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt completely.
7. Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot!
Recipe Tips and Variations for Lazy Day Ziti
Meat Options: Swap the beef or sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Ziti: Skip the meat and add veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, but monitor the cooking time as it may cook faster.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce for extra heat.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
This Lazy Day Ziti is the perfect no-fuss dinner idea for pasta lovers. It’s hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make—all in your slow cooker! Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Save this recipe, and let your slow cooker do the magic!
