Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite recipes: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. This dish is the ultimate comfort food and the kind of meal that instantly makes me feel cozy and happy, no matter the weather outside. I remember the first time I whipped it up for a family gathering—everyone was gathered around, chatting, and as soon as I put the Ziti on the table, you could hear the audible gasps of delight! That’s when I knew it was a hit.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make! You toss everything into the slow cooker, and as the magical smells permeate your home over the next few hours, you’ll start to salivate. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers.
What’s in Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
Ziti Pasta: The foundation of this dish, ziti pasta holds all the fantastic flavors together. And if you ever want to switch things up, you can easily substitute it with penne or rigatoni!
Ground Beef (or Italian Sausage): I usually go for ground beef for a classic taste, but Italian sausage kicks the flavor up a notch if you’re feeling adventurous! Just make sure to get it cooked through first.
Marinara Sauce: This is where the tomato goodness comes in! I like to use a good quality jarred sauce (no judgment—life’s too short to spend hours making your own when the jar does the trick!).
Diced Tomatoes: They add a fantastic texture and extra flavor. Don’t drain them; the juice is going to blend beautifully with everything else.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and delightful, ricotta adds richness to each bite. I always keep it on hand for this recipe!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea! This gooey goodness will melt on top, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty flavor burst, and let’s be honest, it completes the cheese trifecta beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of fabulous herbs that elevates the whole dish. I can’t imagine baked ziti without it!
Garlic Powder: Because who can resist the scent of garlic wafting through their home?
Salt and Black Pepper: Basic but essential to round off the flavors and bring everything together.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (optional): A sprinkle on top gives this dish not only a beautiful finishing touch but also a burst of freshness.
Is Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti can be a balanced meal if you tweak it a bit!
Pasta: While ziti is delicious, it’s still a carb. If you want to make it a bit healthier, opt for whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef or turkey can reduce fat content while still providing a hearty meal. As for Italian sausage, it tends to be richer in flavor but also higher in fat. Choose what works best for your dietary preferences!
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan all provide calcium and protein, but if you’re watching your calories or dairy intake, you can always use part-skim options or reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
Enjoy it, and remember that balance is key! Indulge in the flavors while thinking about moderation.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
– 1 jar (about 24 ounces) marinara sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for family dinner or to meal prep for the week!
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage) until cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep it from being too greasy.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well—you want everything to be nicely blended.
3. In another bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended—this creamy mixture will add layers of flavor.
4. Spray the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray (this really helps with cleanup later). Start layering by adding half of the ziti pasta at the bottom.
5. Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture until everything is used up.
7. Top the final layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Yes, more cheese!
8. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Once done, let it sit for about 10 minutes before diving in. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’re feeling fancy!
10. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful creation!
Cheesy Tips and Serving Suggestions
– If you want to add some veggies, feel free to toss in chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the meat mixture. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
– Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheat beautifully. Just add a dash of water while reheating to keep it moist.
– For a little extra flair, serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread to soak up all that saucy goodness!
So that’s it! Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is definitely a recipe you’ll want to keep in your cooking repertoire. If you try it out, let me know how it goes! I can’t wait to hear how you added your personal twist to it. Happy cooking!
