Description
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy one-pot meal made entirely in a crockpot, combining browned ground beef, aromatic herbs, marinara sauce, and tender ziti pasta topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hands-off dinner that delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28 oz or 798 ml)
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340 g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook for 1 more minute, allowing the garlic and herbs to release their aromas.
- Transfer to slow cooker and add liquids: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes with their liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir together until well combined.
- Slow cook the sauce base: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add uncooked pasta: Turn the slow cooker temperature to high. Add the dry pasta and stir it into the sauce mixture until fully combined. Cover again.
- Cook pasta until al dente: Continue cooking the mixture for 15 to 30 minutes, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking, until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Add mozzarella and melt: Remove the slow cooker lid and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt before serving.
Notes
- This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is made completely in the crockpot, even the pasta cooks inside the slow cooker, simplifying meal prep.
- Check the pasta at the 15-minute mark after adding it to avoid overcooking, as slow cooker temperatures can vary.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option if preferred.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and sauce to control salt content if needed.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 645 grams
- Calories: 587 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 1618 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
