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Crockpot Baked Ziti
Mia

Crockpot Baked Ziti

Crockpot Baked Ziti delivers all the cheesy, saucy comfort of traditional baked ziti without heating up your kitchen or requiring constant attention. This slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that rivals any traditional baked ziti.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound uncooked ziti pasta
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth

Method
 

  1. Spray your slow cooker generously with cooking spray.
  2. Combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1/2 cup of Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of your crockpot.
  4. Layer half of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce.
  5. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
  6. If using sausage, sprinkle half of it over the cheese layer.
  7. Pour another cup of marinara sauce over everything.
  8. Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, remaining cheese mixture, remaining sausage (if using), and another cup of sauce.
  9. Pour the water or broth around the edges of the crockpot.
  10. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
  11. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
  12. Cover again and let the cheese melt.
  13. Garnish with fresh basil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use uncooked pasta for best results. Ensure enough liquid is added to prevent drying out. For extra crispy cheese, broil in an oven-safe dish after cooking.