Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to enjoy a hearty meal without much fuss. With tender pasta, rich Italian sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is both comforting and filling. The best part is that the slow cooker does most of the work, so you can set it and forget it while your ziti bakes to perfection.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked thoroughly
- 2 jars of Italian pasta sauce (24 oz each)
- 1 (16-ounce) box of penne (uncooked)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 eggs
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, basil, and 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. This will be the creamy layer of the baked ziti.
3. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, spread a thin layer of pasta sauce to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add a layer of uncooked penne pasta (about one-third of the box), followed by a layer of the cooked ground beef, a few spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture, and a generous portion of pasta sauce.
- Repeat these layers (pasta, beef, ricotta, sauce) until all the ingredients are used up. Finish with a layer of pasta sauce on top.
4. Add Tomato Paste
- Stir the tomato paste into the remaining pasta sauce to thicken it and pour this over the top layer of pasta and ricotta mixture, making sure everything is well-covered in sauce.
5. Top with Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan and the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the casserole.
6. Cook in the Slow Cooker
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The pasta should be tender, the cheese melted, and the sauce bubbling.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once the ziti is cooked, uncover the slow cooker and let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Pre-cooked Meat: You can also use ground turkey or sausage in place of the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta: No need to pre-cook the pasta! The uncooked penne will cook perfectly in the slow cooker as it absorbs the sauce and cheese.
- Sauce: If you prefer a more homemade touch, you can use a homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought jars.
Variations for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti
- Skip the ground beef and add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the layers. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.
2. Cheesy Alfredo Baked Ziti
- Swap the red sauce for Alfredo sauce for a creamy, cheesy version of this classic dish. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
3. Spicy Italian Baked Ziti
- Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef to give the dish a kick of heat. You can also add chopped hot cherry peppers or jalapeños for an extra punch of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, cover, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, take it out of the fridge and cook it as directed.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven until heated through.
3. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
Yes! You can freeze this dish before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, layer all the ingredients in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook in the slow cooker as directed. If freezing after cooking, let the baked ziti cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or as a whole.
A Comforting, Easy-to-Make Dish
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect recipe for a busy day when you want a delicious, comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With layers of rich sauce, creamy ricotta, melted cheese, and tender pasta, this dish is sure to satisfy any craving for classic Italian comfort food. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, and enjoy the ease of letting your slow cooker do most of the work!
