Description
This Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender pasta, hearty meat, and rich tomato sauce cook slowly in a crockpot for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 jar pasta sauce (650 ml, about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef/vegetable broth)
- 1 box penne or ziti (375 grams, about 4 cups)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or chosen meat) with chopped onion and garlic until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker and stir in diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, chicken broth, salt, basil, and parsley.
- Add penne or ziti pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and let melt for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Optional: sprinkle additional Parmesan or fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier version.
- For extra cheesy flavor, add ricotta or provolone before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American