Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti delivers classic cheesy, saucy goodness with almost no hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing leftovers.
Equipment
- - Slow cooker (4 qt or larger)
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- - 1 lb ground beef or turkey or Italian sausage
- - 1 small onion finely chopped
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1½ tsp kosher salt
- - 1 tsp dried basil
- - 1 tsp dried parsley
- - 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- - 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce
- - 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef/vegetable broth
- - 4 cups dry ziti or penne pasta
- - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan or Italian blend cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat. Add garlic, salt, basil, and parsley; cook for 1 more minute.
- Transfer mixture to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in dry pasta. Cook for 15–30 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark.
- Once pasta is tender, sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta should be added after the initial cook time to prevent overcooking.
- For extra flavor, top with fresh basil or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Stir gently once after adding pasta to prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, top with fresh basil or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Stir gently once after adding pasta to prevent sticking.