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Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 20 reviews

This Crockpot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired casserole that combines layers of ground beef, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce, and mozzarella. By using a slow cooker, this recipe delivers tender noodles and rich flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a hearty family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Pasta

  • 1 box lasagna noodles, uncooked (typically 9–12 noodles)

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
  2. Prepare cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
  3. Layer the crockpot: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them as needed to fit the shape of the crockpot.
  4. Add layered ingredients: Over the noodles, spread a layer of the cooked ground beef, then dollop and spread the ricotta mixture evenly. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  5. Repeat layers: Continue layering the noodles, meat, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella two more times or until ingredients are used up, ending with a final layer of marinara sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve: Once done, carefully remove the lid and garnish the baked ziti with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Using uncooked noodles simplifies preparation, but ensure the sauce is sufficiently liquid for noodles to cook well.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adding extra mozzarella on top creates a golden, cheesy crust.
  • Cook times may vary depending on the specific slow cooker used; check tenderness after 4 hours.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta, easy baked ziti, Italian casserole, slow cooker recipe

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/crockpot-baked-ziti-recipe/