Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
A comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights, combining ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (or choose turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
- 1 jar pasta sauce (650 ml, about 2 1/2 cups)
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or use beef or vegetable broth)
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 box penne or ziti (375 grams, or about 4 cups of short pasta)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the salt, dried basil, dried parsley, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Layering and Cooking
- In your slow cooker, layer half of the uncooked penne or ziti. Pour half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooked, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to absorb more of the sauce.
Notes
Serve with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Pair with a side salad and garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.