Description
Crockpot baked ziti is a hearty and cheesy pasta dish made with tender noodles, seasoned beef, flavorful pasta sauce, and three types of cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection for an easy family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
- 1 (16-ounce) box baked ziti, uncooked
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in basil, oregano, and pasta sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Layer uncooked ziti, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and sauce. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until pasta is tender.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage, chicken, or turkey for variation.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat or serve with meatballs on the side.
- Use homemade pasta sauce for a richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
