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Crock Pot Baked Ziti

A comforting and delicious baked ziti made in a slow cooker with layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 lb ground beef Cooked thoroughly with onions
  • 1 onion, diced
Seasonings
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Pasta
  • 2 jars pasta sauce (25 oz each)
  • 16 oz ziti pasta, uncooked
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz Ricotta cheese
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded Reserve 1 cup for topping
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Spray your slow cooker or line it with a Reynold’s liner for easier cleanup.
  2. Cook the ground beef and onion together in a pan over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink, then drain the fat.
  3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic.
  4. Mix in the two jars of pasta sauce.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg whites, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Layering and Cooking
  1. In the slow cooker, pour 2 cups of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom.
  2. Sprinkle half of the uncooked ziti on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture.
  3. Repeat the process by adding another layer of the meat mixture, then the remaining ziti, and finally the remaining cheese.
  4. Pour the leftover sauce on top, cover, and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender.
  5. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top to melt before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.