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Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.1 from 5 reviews

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American casserole featuring layers of ziti pasta, savory sausage meat sauce, and a blend of creamy cheeses, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that serves a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 (16-ounce) box uncooked ziti pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage and Onion: Add the ground Italian sausage and finely chopped yellow onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, water or low-sodium chicken broth, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock pot. Layer one-third of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce, followed by one-third of the meat sauce, dollops of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Repeat these layering steps two more times, creating a total of three layers.
  4. Cook the Baked Ziti: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape and is not mushy.
  5. Set and Serve: Remove the lid and let the baked ziti sit for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to firm up. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Add Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra vegetables and nutrition.
  • Cheese Options: Substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or cream cheese for different textures and richness.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.
  • Freezing: This baked ziti freezes well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/crock-pot-baked-ziti-recipe-3/