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Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American dish featuring layers of uncooked ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, and tangy marinara sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this meal delivers a hearty and flavorful experience with minimal hands-on cooking, perfect for busy days or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Layers

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Cook Sausage and Onion: Add the ground Italian sausage and finely chopped onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is fully browned and the onion is softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
  2. Prepare Sauce Mixture: Pour in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and water or low-sodium chicken broth. Season the sauce with dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Assemble in Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Create three layers by dividing the uncooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly. Start with pasta, then sauce, followed by ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat this layering process two more times.
  4. Cook the Baked Ziti: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the low setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. The ziti should become tender but not overcooked or mushy. Avoid lifting the lid frequently to maintain consistent temperature and cooking time.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and let the baked ziti sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and the dish to set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Ensure the slow cooker is large enough (at least 6-quart) to accommodate layering all ingredients comfortably.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or beef for the Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • If you prefer a firmer pasta texture, reduce cooking time slightly and check frequently towards the end.

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