Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish featuring ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce slow-cooked to perfection. Made with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, it delivers a deliciously cheesy, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28oz or 798ml)
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned evenly, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook the mixture for an additional 1 minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Transfer to slow cooker with liquids: Move the beef mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with their liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine.
- Cook the sauce base: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours to develop rich flavors.
- Add uncooked pasta: Switch the slow cooker to high heat. Add the dry penne or ziti pasta and stir until fully incorporated. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through after 15 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the slow cooker from heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey top layer.
Notes
- Ensure the slow cooker is large enough (5- to 6-quart) to accommodate all ingredients without overflowing.
- Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meat and increase the amount of vegetables or use plant-based ground beef alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or oven.
- Using low-sodium broth and sauce helps control salt intake in this dish.
