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–+ servings
Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

All the cozy baked ziti flavors made hands-off in your slow cooker. Simple layering, melty cheese, and saucy noodles.
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed swap with lean ground beef if preferred
  • 0.5 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 5 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth water works too
  • 14 oz uncooked ziti Penne do not pre-cook
  • 1.5 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese reserve about 1/2 cup for the top
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp kosher salt reduce if sauce is very salty
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional heat
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Brown the sausage with the onion, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, then drain excess fat.
  • Combine marinara and broth in a bowl; stir until evenly blended.
  • Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Grease the slow cooker crock lightly with a bit of oil.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Add half the pasta, half the sausage, and spoonfuls of half the ricotta mixture.
  • Pour in more sauce to cover, then repeat the layers.
  • Finish with remaining sauce and the reserved mozzarella on top.
  • Cover and cook on LOW 3 to 3 1/2 hours, until Penne is tender.
  • Let rest 10 minutes, then sprinkle with basil or parsley and serve.

Notes

Variation: Skip the sausage and add 2 cups sliced mushrooms and a handful of spinach for a hearty vegetarian version. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.