Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti: Slow Cooker Comfort

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal the whole family will love? This slow cooker baked ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. With layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. The best part? The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a stress-free dinner option!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2.5–3.5 hours | Total Time: 3–3.5 hours | Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb. meat of choice: Ground beef, turkey, or sausage all work great.

½ cup onion, chopped: Adds flavor and texture to the sauce.

1 tsp. Italian seasoning: For a burst of classic Italian flavor.

1 tsp. garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.

½ tsp. salt + ½ tsp. pepper: Simple seasonings for balance.

30 oz. spaghetti sauce: Use two 15-oz jars of your favorite brand.

For the Cheese Mixture:

15 oz. ricotta cheese: The creamy base of the cheese layer.

2 egg whites: Helps bind the cheese mixture.

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Gooey, melty goodness.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick.

For the Ziti:

12 oz. ziti noodles: No need to pre-cook them!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meat with the chopped onions until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour in the spaghetti sauce and mix until everything is well combined.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg whites, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and set aside.
3. Assemble the Ziti in the Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Start with 1½ cups of the meat sauce spread evenly across the bottom.
4. Layer the Ingredients: On top of the sauce, layer:
   • Half of the uncooked ziti noodles
   • Half of the cheese mixture
   • Another 1½ cups of meat sauce
   Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining sauce on top.
5. Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, then switch to LOW for 2–3 hours. The ziti is done when the noodles are tender and cooked through.
6. Add the Final Touch: Ten minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: No need to boil the noodles or dirty multiple dishes—everything cooks right in the slow cooker.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a cheesy, comforting pasta dish.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in the morning, and let it cook while you tackle your day.

Tips for Success

• Use Quality Sauce: Since the sauce is the heart of the dish, choose a flavorful, high-quality brand.
• Customize Your Meat: Mix sausage and ground beef for extra flavor.
• Don’t Overcook: Check the pasta around the 2-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t get mushy.

This slow cooker baked ziti is a comforting, easy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear what you think!

Enjoy!