Why Make This Recipe
Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect dish for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish combines tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheeses to create a warm meal that everyone will love. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, making it a go-to choice for weeknight dinners. Plus, it holds up well as leftovers, making it a great option for meal prep.
How to Make Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.Brown the Meat
If you decide to use ground beef or Italian sausage, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until it is browned all over. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep your baked ziti from becoming too greasy.Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and cheeses.Layer in the Slow Cooker
Begin layering the ziti mixture in the slow cooker. Add half of the ziti mixture to the bottom of the cooker. Next, sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the ziti. Repeat this process with the remaining ziti mixture and cheeses.Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The goal here is to heat everything through and let the cheese melt beautifully.Serve
Once cooked, serve the baked ziti hot and fresh. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh basil for a lovely touch of flavor and color.
How to Serve Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is best served directly from the slow cooker while it’s still hot. This dish pairs excellently with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also consider serving a light dessert, such as fruit or gelato, to balance out the hearty pasta. If you are hosting a gathering, offering some additional sides, like roasted vegetables or a cheese platter, along with the baked ziti will leave your guests satisfied.
How to Store Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Storing leftover baked ziti is easy and convenient. Allow the pasta to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish until heated through. If you plan to store it longer, consider freezing it. Place well-sealed portions in freezer-safe containers and it can last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the ziti will continue to cook in the slow cooker, be sure to cook it just until al dente. Overcooking it initially could lead to mushy pasta.
Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese based on your preferences. Mozzarella, provolone, or even a bit of cheddar can work wonders.
Add Vegetables: Consider adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just stir them in when mixing the pasta and sauce.
Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes or some spicy sausage can give your baked ziti an extra kick.
Garnish Creatively: Along with fresh basil, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper for added flavor or even some sliced olives for a twist.
Variation
If you’re looking to change things up, consider trying a vegetarian version of Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Instead of using meat, you can add a variety of vegetables, such as wilted spinach, diced zucchini, or roasted bell peppers. You can also try switching up the sauces by using a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a delicious twist. Another option is to try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli, which can give the dish a different look and feel.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While ziti pasta is traditional, you can substitute it with other short pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they do not become overcooked.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the layers the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just pop them in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
3. Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Is baked ziti spicy?
Typically, baked ziti is not spicy, but you can adjust the flavor by adding red pepper flakes or spicy sausage for a little heat.
5. What can I serve with baked ziti?
Baked ziti goes well with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a light dessert to round out your meal.
By following these steps and using the helpful tips, making Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti can be a delightful experience that will fill your home with the aroma of a delicious meal. Enjoy diving into this hearty pasta dish with your family and friends!
Print
Comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (can be made with optional meat)
Description
A hearty and delicious slow cooker baked ziti dish that’s easy to prepare, perfect for busy families, and great as leftovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- If using ground beef or Italian sausage, brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat and drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Layer the mixture in the slow cooker, starting with half the ziti mixture, then adding half the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the rest of the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, you can include vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, and consider using different cheeses or spicy sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: slow cooker, baked ziti, pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, meal prep