Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (for a vegetarian option, omit the meat)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat mixture with marinara sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture over the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with a layer of uncooked ziti pasta. Add dollops of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Repeat the Layers:

Continue layering with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a final layer of sauce and cheese.

5. Cook the Ziti:

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:

Once cooked, gently stir the ziti to combine the layers. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Enhance the dish with vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• For a creamier texture, blend some heavy cream or milk into the ricotta cheese before layering.

This slow cooker baked ziti is an effortless and comforting meal, perfect for enjoying the rich flavors of Italy with minimal preparation.