Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

 

Ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a vegetarian version)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
– 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
– In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat mixture, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

Spread a thin layer of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta, then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

4. Repeat the Layers:
– Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

5. Cook the Ziti:
– Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve:
– Once the ziti is cooked, give it a gentle stir to combine the layers. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.