Hearty Slow Cooker Ziti Bake
Enjoy a comforting, cheesy dish with this Hearty Slow Cooker Ziti Bake. Inspired by a beloved recipe shared in my Taste of Home Magazine coupon book, this dish has become a staple in my kitchen. Perfect for cozy dinners, this ziti bake features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. Make a big batch to savor for supper and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later. A one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (cooked and crumbled)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
dried Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons (n/a)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
pasta sauce
2 (25 ounce) jars (n/a)
ricotta cheese
1 (15 ounce) container (n/a)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded and divided)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (n/a)
ziti pasta
1 (16 ounce) box (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
2
Add the dried Italian seasoning and salt to the meat mixture, stirring to combine evenly. Stir in the pasta sauce and remove from heat.
3
In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated parmesan cheese until well combined.
4
In your slow cooker, spoon 2 cups of the meat sauce into the bottom. Layer half of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce.
5
Drop half of the cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons over the ziti and gently spread it out using the back of a spoon.
6
Layer 2 cups of meat sauce over the cheese mixture, followed by the remaining ziti. Repeat the process with the remaining cheese mixture and pour the rest of the meat sauce over the top, ensuring all pasta and cheese are covered.
7
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pasta is tender.
8
When cooking is complete, carefully remove the lid to allow steam to escape. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, and let the dish stand for 10 minutes until the cheese has melted.
9
Serve directly from the slow cooker and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Slow Cooker Ziti Bake?
It is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish featuring layers of meat sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese cooked in a slow cooker.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Do I need to boil the ziti pasta before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the recipe uses 16 ounces of uncooked ziti pasta which cooks in the sauce.
What type of meat is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, cooked and crumbled.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
It takes 6 to 7 hours to cook on the low setting.
How long does it take to cook on the high setting?
It takes 4 to 5 hours to cook on the high setting.
What ingredients are in the cheese mixture?
The cheese mixture consists of 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, a 15-ounce container of ricotta, and 1 cup of grated parmesan.
How much pasta sauce is required?
You will need two 25-ounce jars of pasta sauce.
What seasonings are added to the meat?
The meat is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish is freezer-friendly and leftovers can be frozen for a quick meal later.
How do I prepare the onion?
One medium onion should be chopped and cooked in a skillet with the ground beef until the beef is no longer pink.
What is the first layer placed in the slow cooker?
The process begins by spooning 2 cups of the prepared meat sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
How do I apply the cheese mixture during layering?
Drop the cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons over the ziti and gently spread it out using the back of a spoon.
When do I add the remaining mozzarella cheese?
Sprinkle the final 1 cup of mozzarella on top after the cooking time is complete and the lid has been removed.
How long should the dish sit after cooking?
Let the dish stand for 10 minutes after adding the final cheese to allow it to melt and the steam to escape.
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Yes, ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used as a substitute for ground beef.
What size is the box of ziti pasta?
The recipe uses a standard 16-ounce box of ziti pasta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this Hearty Slow Cooker Ziti Bake.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-pot wonder that is easy to prepare and serve.
What is the total amount of mozzarella cheese used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese in total, divided between the mixture and the topping.
What should I do if the pasta is not tender after the suggested time?
Continue cooking in 30-minute increments until the pasta reaches your desired level of tenderness.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
It was inspired by a recipe from a Taste of Home Magazine coupon book.
How much ricotta cheese is needed?
One 15-ounce container of ricotta cheese is required.
Does the recipe require salt?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't dry out?
Ensure all pasta and cheese are completely covered by the meat sauce before starting the slow cooker.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While ziti is traditional, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
What is the preparation for the grated parmesan?
The parmesan is mixed into the ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include slow cooker, baked ziti, pasta, one pot meal, comfort food, Italian, easy dinner, and freezer friendly.
Should I grease the slow cooker?
While not explicitly mentioned, lightly greasing the slow cooker can help with cleanup for pasta dishes.
How is the dish served?
It can be served directly from the slow cooker once the cheese has melted.