Ingredients:
1 lb Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
16 oz Dried Ziti: The pasta that holds the sauce and cheese together, offering a comforting texture.
2 jars Pasta Sauce (your choice): This simplifies the recipe, giving it a rich, tomato-based flavor. Marinara or Tomato Basil sauces are excellent choices.
15 oz Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the dish, making it rich and comforting.
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer on top, adding to the classic baked ziti flavor.
2 cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor and helps create a crispy cheese crust.
2 Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture, ensuring it holds its texture during cooking.
15 oz Tomato Sauce: Adds extra moisture and enhances the tomato flavor.
⅓ cup Fresh Basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens up the dish.
Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking in the slow cooker.
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients
Cook The Ground Beef:
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Make The Cheese Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and chopped basil. Mix until well combined.
Prepare The Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and pasta sauce. This will be your main sauce for layering.
Step 2: Assemble The Ziti In The Slow Cooker
Grease The Slow Cooker:
Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer The Ingredients:
Spread about 2⅓ cups of the sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add a layer of dried ziti (about a third of the pasta), spreading it evenly over the sauce.
Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti.
Sprinkle half of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the Parmesan layer.
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
Step 3: Cooking The Ziti
Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it to high heat. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Add Mozzarella:
About 10-15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top of the ziti. Cover again and let the cheese melt.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve:
Once the mozzarella is fully melted, scoop the ziti into bowls or onto plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this slow-cooked Italian classic.
Variations and Substitutions:
Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat as an alternative.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or minced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicier version. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, asiago, or an Italian cheese blend for added flavor.
Herb Alternatives: Try using oregano, thyme, or rosemary for different herbaceous notes.
Conclusion: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional baked ziti with the ease and convenience of slow cooking. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore the variations, this ziti will quickly become a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that this dish brings to your table!