Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish like Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. I remember the evenings when my family would gather around the table, eager to dive into a hearty meal after a long day. This dish has a special way of bringing everyone together. When the rich aroma of baked ziti fills the air, it’s hard to resist its inviting charm. The layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s one of those recipes that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for a successful Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. The star of the show is, of course, the pasta, complemented by savory Italian sausage, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses. Together, these ingredients create a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Adds a hearty flavor and protein base to the dish.
• 1 cup diced onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The essential base for a rich and savory flavor.
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes: Enhances the sauce’s texture and adds a fresh taste.
• 1 lb ziti pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto all those delicious sauces and cheeses.
• 15 oz ricotta cheese: Provides creaminess and richness to the filling.
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Offers a gooey, melty layer on top.
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp flavor that complements the mozzarella.
• 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta filling together.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Italian herbs.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances flavors throughout the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
• Optional: fresh chopped basil for garnish: A fresh finish that brightens the dish.

Recipe Directions for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Cooking Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a simple and enjoyable process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to enjoy. Let’s dive into the cooking!

1. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion together. Stir occasionally until the onions become tender and the sausage is thoroughly cooked; this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure the sausage breaks into small pieces without any pink remaining.
2. While the sausage and onions are cooking, prepare your slow cooker by spraying it with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleaning later. It’s also a good idea to let it warm up a bit as you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Once the sausage and onions are cooked, transfer them to the greased slow cooker. Next, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and ziti pasta. Mix everything well so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Now, let’s create the ricotta filling. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s well mixed and creamy.
5. Gently fold the ricotta mixture into the pasta and meat sauce in the slow cooker. Ensure that the pasta is fully covered by the sauce and ricotta mixture. This step is crucial for a rich flavor throughout.
6. Once everything is combined, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust while cooking.
7. Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for 2.5 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. The noodles should be tender and the cheese melted.
8. After cooking, carefully uncover the slow cooker. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped basil on top for a pop of flavor and a lovely presentation.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with family or friends.

Helpful Notes about Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

To elevate your cooking experience with Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, consider these helpful notes.

• Storage: Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked ziti before cooking. Just assemble it in the slow cooker, cover it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before cooking.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meat-free version, replace the sausage with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a lovely touch of freshness when serving.

Side Dish Ideas for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

When you’re ready to serve your delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, consider these side dishes to complement the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A perfectly toasted garlic bread is the ideal companion to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons can balance the richness of the ziti.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted seasonal vegetables adds a healthy and colorful touch to your dining experience.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a nutritious and simple side that pairs well with cheesy pasta.
• Antipasto Platter: An antipasto platter with various cheeses, olives, and cured meats can serve as a great starter before the main dish.
• Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like grapes, berries, or melon slices offer a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a dish that beautifully combines comfort and convenience, making it a favorite for families everywhere. The layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese create a satisfying meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters. I encourage you to gather your loved ones and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed. Not only will you enjoy the delightful flavors, but you’ll also create lovely memories around the dinner table.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti combines creamy cheeses, savory sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavors that will leave everyone craving more.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1 cup diced onion (about ½ an onion)
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 15 oz diced tomatoes
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 bunch fresh chopped basil for garnish

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage and diced onion together until onions are tender and sausage is broken up into small pieces, cooked through with no pink left, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Heat and spray the crock pot with cooking spray while you are cooking the sausage and onion and preparing the other ingredients. That way it's warmed up and ready to go!
3. Transfer the cooked Italian sausage and onion to a greased slow cooker that holds at least 6 quarts. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and dry ziti pasta and mix well.
4. Make ricotta filling by combining the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
5. Stir ricotta mixture gently into noodles and meat sauce. Make sure all the noodles are covered. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Cook on high for 2.5 hours or low 4-5 hours until noodles are tender. Enjoy!
7. Optional: sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for a pop of flavor!

Notes

• If the slow cooker cooks longer than 2.5 hours on high heat: the noodles may get a little soggy and the edges may get a little crispy, just like in the oven. We love the crispies!

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.