Save Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that you can prepare with ease. This gooey, cheesy pasta casserole comes together effortlessly with just five simple ingredients. Ideal for busy weeknights, it promises a hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen.
Save This baked ziti builds layers of flavor and texture as pasta, sauce, and cheeses meld together over hours of gentle cooking. The slow cooker method ensures tender pasta and bubbly, melted cheese without drying out or burning, making it an everyday family favorite.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- 1 jar (700 ml / 24 oz) marinara sauce
- 450 g (2 cups) ricotta cheese
- 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- 2. Pour half of the uncooked ziti into the slow cooker.
- 3. Layer half of the marinara sauce over the pasta, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese on top.
- 4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
- 5. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- 6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 7. Turn off the slow cooker and let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For added flavor, consider stirring in cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed vegetables between layers to customize the dish to your preferences. Using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses offers a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To keep this recipe vegetarian, use vegetarian marinara sauce and cheese. You can easily adapt it for meat eaters by including cooked meats. For an herbaceous twist, garnish the finished baked ziti with fresh basil or parsley right before serving.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your comforting baked ziti alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that all ages will enjoy.
Save With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a perfect go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Its combination of gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and savory marinara is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that makes comfort food effortless.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta for this dish?
Yes, penne or similar tubular pasta works well as it holds sauce and cheese nicely during slow cooking.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the slow cooker?
Lightly greasing the slow cooker with nonstick spray before layering helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup.
- → Can I add meat or vegetables to the layers?
Absolutely. Cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or sautéed vegetables can be added between layers for extra flavor and texture.
- → Is it necessary to cook the pasta before layering?
No, using uncooked pasta allows it to cook slowly in the sauce during the three-hour cooking process, absorbing flavors.
- → How should I serve this baked ziti?
Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking, then serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.