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Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

Crockpot Baked Ziti

iamwinfred
This Crockpot Baked Ziti delivers all the cheesy, saucy comfort of classic baked ziti without ever turning on your oven. Layers of uncooked ziti pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara, and three kinds of cheese cook low and slow until perfectly tender and bubbling. It's the ultimate hands-off weeknight dinner that practically makes itself.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker Essential for this recipe; 5-quart works with slight reduction in quantity
  • Large skillet For browning the ground beef and aromatics
  • Mixing bowl For combining the ricotta cheese mixture
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef about 450g; 80/20 blend recommended
  • 24 oz marinara sauce about 680g; 1 standard jar
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes about 425g; 1 can, do not drain
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese about 425g; whole-milk ricotta preferred
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese about 340g; divided; shred your own for better melting
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese about 50g; divided
  • 1 lb ziti pasta about 450g; uncooked; penne or rigatoni may be substituted
  • 1 small onion diced; about 1 cup
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish; torn into small pieces

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart, for 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned. Add the diced onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds; season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, drain excess fat, and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese and egg until smooth. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, season lightly with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  • Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and spread 1 cup of marinara on the bottom. Layer half the uncooked ziti, half the meat mixture, half the diced tomatoes, and half the ricotta mixture; repeat the layers, then pour the remaining marinara over the top and gently press down so the pasta is mostly submerged.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan over the top, cover, and cook on low for 3 hours until the pasta is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
  • Turn off the crockpot and let the ziti rest uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the layers to set. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot, scooping through all layers for each portion.

Notes

  • Cook on low for best results; if using high heat, start checking the pasta at 1.5 hours to avoid overcooking.
  • Do not lift the lid during cooking — every peek releases heat and can add 15 to 20 minutes to the cook time.
  • Shred your own mozzarella for superior melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the texture grainy.
  • Let the browned meat cool slightly before layering to avoid curdling the ricotta mixture.
  • If the mixture looks too dry before cooking, add a 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to ensure the pasta has enough liquid to cook through.
  • To make ahead, assemble the layers in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate overnight, and add 30 minutes to the cook time the next day; hold off adding the top cheese layer until the last hour.
  • Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals or in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for 20 minutes; add a splash of marinara or water to keep it moist.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a combination of sliced mushrooms and fresh spinach.
  • Italian sausage (mild or hot) can be substituted for the ground beef for a more robust, herby flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 32gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 18mg
Keyword baked ziti recipe, crockpot baked ziti, easy weeknight dinner, slow cooker Italian, slow cooker pasta
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