Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a cheesy, hearty, and hassle-free meal perfect for busy nights. No need to boil pasta—just dump, cook, and enjoy!
Equipment
- - Slow cooker (4 qt or larger)
- - Skillet (optional)
- - Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- - 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage/turkey
- - 1 medium onion finely chopped
- - 1 tsp minced garlic
- - 1½ tsp salt
- - 1 tsp dried basil
- - 1 tsp dried parsley
- - 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes
- - 1 jar 650 ml or ~2½ cups pasta sauce
- - 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef/vegetable broth
- - 4 cups dry short pasta ziti or penne
- - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- - Optional: olive oil if using lean meat
- - Optional: non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, basil, and parsley. Sauté 1 more minute.
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add beef mixture, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook on **Low for 6 hours** or **High for 3 hours**.
- Turn to **High**, stir in dry pasta, cover and cook for **15–30 minutes**, stirring halfway.
- Sprinkle cheese over top. Cover and cook **3–5 minutes** until melted. Serve hot.
Notes
- For best results, check pasta at the 15-minute mark after adding.
- To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
- To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.