Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Hey there! So, you know those days when you can’t even think about standing over the stove? Enter: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. It’s my little kitchen miracle-worker — a one-pot comfort dish that’s about zero effort and all yumminess. Picture this: cheesy, saucy ziti noodles that taste like you spent all day making them, but your feet stayed up the whole time. Perfect for those “treat yourself” lazy days or when the fam needs a hearty meal but you’re not in the mood to argue with the oven. Trust me, your tastebuds will love this as much as your schedule does!

You know that moment when you find a recipe that becomes part of the household DNA? Well, that’s my family with this ziti. The first time I made it, I was like, “slow cooker, show me your magic,” and magic it did! My husband, certified pasta lover, dubbed it a masterpiece — though he might just love not having to do the dishes. It’s now our default for any chilly evening or when I’m just not feeling the “what’s for dinner?” pressure.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

– It’s like a big, warm hug in a bowl, and who couldn’t use more hugs?
– Spend less time cooking, more time “taste testing” just to be sure it’s great (wink).
– You basically do nothing, and it still makes you look like a kitchen wizard!

How to Make It

So here’s how it goes down: Start gossiping with your slow cooker like it’s your best friend with secrets. Grab the ingredients, toss them in — don’t think too much, it’s not rocket science. Layer some pasta, sauce, cheese, repeat like you’re setting up the best pasta surprise ever. Pro-tip: sneak in extra cheese when no one’s looking. Let all of this simmer-n-sizzle on low while you do anything other than cook. Maybe nap? A book? Pretend you cooked all day when the fam “ooh” and “aah” over it. Easy-peasy!

Ingredient Notes

– Ziti: It’s hearty and holds up well. In a pinch, penne will do, but with ziti — you’ve got that comforting classic feel.
– Marinara Sauce: Hunt down your fave jar! If it accidentally spills a bit outside the pot, don’t worry…more to be licked off your fingers.
– Cheese: Mozzarella and ricotta. Trust your cheese-loving self. Once, I skimped, and dinner was not amused.

Recipe Steps

1. Layer half of your uncooked ziti pasta in the slow cooker
2. Pour half of your marinara sauce over the pasta
3. Spoon blobs of ricotta cheese over the sauce, get messy
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella, because more cheese more love
5. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella
6. Set that beauty on low for 4 hours and live your life
7. Serve with a smug “I made this” grin

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

– Tip: Stirring is unnecessary here. Let the layers be, they know what to do.
– Mistake: Don’t overthink the cheese. Literally, all roads lead to cheesy goodness.

Storage Tips

Leftovers (if there are any, seriously!) can live in the fridge for about 3 days. Eat it cold when no one’s looking. Breakfast ziti is a thing, and it’s fantastic. Just reheat in the microwave or the oven if you’re fancy.

Variations and Substitutions

Look, we all have lazy days. If you’ve got penne, swap it in. Use whatever cheese is calling your name from the fridge; it’s never going to complain. Ran out of marinara? A quick switcheroo with pesto or even alfredo works too. Cannellini beans instead of meatballs? Why not! I’d even say olives, but only if you trust them not to be too salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti combines tender pasta with rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and Italian spices for a comforting and easy meal.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 lb ziti pasta
• ▢ 24 oz marinara sauce
• ▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ▢ 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ▢ to taste salt
• ▢ to taste black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In the slow cooker, combine marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir until evenly coated with sauce.
• Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve hot and enjoy your slow cooker baked ziti.

Notes

You can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier version. Garnish with fresh basil before serving if desired.