Description
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a no-fuss, one-pot pasta dinner made entirely in the crockpot — including the pasta! Packed with beef, marinara, and cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 (28oz or 798ml) can diced tomatoes with liquid
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef and onion until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the garlic, salt, basil, and parsley and cook for 1 minute.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes with liquid, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
5. Turn the slow cooker to high. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
6. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, stirring at the 15-minute mark, until pasta is al dente.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use penne or ziti pasta for best texture.
Check pasta after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or stir in baby spinach before serving for added greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 645 grams
- Calories: 587
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1618mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
Keywords: slow cooker pasta, baked ziti, crockpot ziti, easy dinner