The Beauty of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Okay, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new best friend, especially when you’re looking for Simple Crockpot Recipes Healthy (well, healthy-ish!). We all crave that classic baked ziti goodness, but sometimes, who has the time to babysit a dish in the oven for an hour? That’s where the magic of the food slow cooker comes in. It does all the work for you, gently simmering the sauce to perfection and melting all that glorious cheese while you’re off doing, well, anything else! Plus, it’s a fantastic option when you need an easy dish for potlucks or family gatherings. Think of it as a less fussy cousin to a lasagna – you get all the comforting flavors without the meticulous layering. And if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for Best Fall Slow Cooker Recipes, and this one fits the bill perfectly with its warm, hearty flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting.
- Perfect for meal prep: Assemble it in the morning, and dinner is ready when you are.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves baked ziti!
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combination)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
For the Ziti:
- 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Essential Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making this incredible Slow Cooker Baked Ziti!
Get Started with the Sauce
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or sausage). Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the Ziti Mixture
- Cook the Ziti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Ricotta Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
Assemble the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Ziti and Cheese: Top with half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, ziti, ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Slow Cook to Perfection
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it as cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to scoop.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the ziti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, especially the tomatoes and cheese, the better the flavor of the final dish.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the ziti to rest before serving helps the cheese set and prevents it from being too runny.
- Customize the sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add more vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use Italian sausage with a kick.
- Cheesy: Use a combination of different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or asiago.
- Healthier: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef, and opt for part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheese. You could also sneak in some finely chopped vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides:- Garlic bread: A classic pairing!
- Side salad: A fresh green salad provides a nice contrast to the rich ziti.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover Slow Cooker Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also reheat it in the slow cooker on low heat.
Slow Cooker Safety First
Always make sure your slow cooker is in good working order and that you are following the manufacturer’s instructions. Never overfill the slow cooker, and always ensure that the lid is properly sealed.Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy these other pasta-based comfort food dishes. Looking for something else cheesy and comforting? Give Baked Spaghetti Cream Cheese Dream a try! Or for another easy slow cooker meal, try Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna. Need a dish for a crowd? Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is always a hit. For a simple side dish to complement any of these, you can try Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Perfection or Garlic Parmesan Pasta Heaven. And if you love the idea of a slow cooker lasagna, don’t miss Crockpot Lasagna Soup Heaven!Final Thoughts
And there you have it! Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do! Happy cooking!How long does it take to cook the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
You can cook it on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
Can I customize the sauce for the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
Yes, you can customize the sauce by adding other vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
What are some variations I can try for this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe?
You can make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more vegetables. You can also make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or using Italian sausage. For a cheesier version, use a combination of different cheeses like provolone or fontina. For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken and part-skim cheeses.
What should I serve with the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
It’s delicious on its own, but you can serve it with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe offers a comforting and flavorful dish with layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella and ricotta cheese. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Top with half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, ziti, ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it al dente as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker. Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Allowing the ziti to rest before serving helps the cheese set. Customize the sauce with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes. Variations include vegetarian (omit beef and add vegetables), spicy (use Italian sausage), cheesy (use different cheeses like provolone or fontina), and healthier (use ground turkey and part-skim cheeses).
