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Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

This Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish made easy with the convenience of a slow cooker. Ground beef and aromatic spices simmer with tomatoes and broth, then tender pasta is added and cooked to perfection. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this hearty meal is perfect for busy days when you want a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Tomato and Sauce

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 1 jar pasta sauce (650 ml, about 2 1/2 cups)

Liquids and Pasta

  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable broth)
  • 1 box penne or ziti (375 grams, about 4 cups)

Cheese

  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Stir in minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and parsley. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors. For a quicker option, you can add raw onion, garlic, and spices directly to the slow cooker in the next step.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture or the raw onion and spices into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cover and cook the mixture on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to develop a rich, savory taste.
  4. Add Pasta to the Slow Cooker: After the initial cooking time, set the slow cooker to high. Add the penne or ziti pasta, stirring it into the sauce until well combined. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, stirring at the 15-minute mark, until the pasta reaches your preferred tenderness.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Serve: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover again and let cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting baked ziti straight from the slow cooker.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage according to your taste preferences.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
  • Be sure to use a pasta shape like penne or ziti that holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the broth amount slightly or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  • Stir occasionally when adding pasta to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
  • Feel free to add extra herbs or red pepper flakes for more flavor and heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker baked ziti, baked ziti recipe, easy pasta slow cooker, comfort food, mozzarella baked pasta

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/savory-slow-cooker-baked-ziti-recipe/