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Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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3.9 from 66 reviews

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a simple, comforting Italian-inspired casserole made with uncooked penne pasta, layered with ricotta cheese mixture, abundant tomato sauce, and plenty of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy hands-off meal perfect for busy days, delivering a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish with minimal prep.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce

Pasta

  • 1 pound uncooked penne pasta

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup freshly chopped basil

Cheeses

  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil, stirring well to create a smooth, aromatic cheese mixture.
  2. Combine Sauces: In a large bowl, mix both 25-ounce jars of pasta sauce with the 15-ounce tomato sauce until fully blended for a cohesive, flavorful base.
  3. Grate Parmesan Cheese: Finely grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside for layering within the dish.
  4. Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  5. Layer Ingredients – First Layer: Spread 2 and 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by one-third of the uncooked penne pasta.
  6. Add Ricotta and Parmesan: Dot half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer, then sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup).
  7. Layer Ingredients – Second Layer: Pour another 2 and 1/3 cups of sauce mixture on top, then add another one-third of the uncooked penne pasta.
  8. Add Remaining Ricotta and Parmesan: Dot the remaining ricotta mixture over this layer and spread it out evenly, then sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  9. Final Layer: Add the last third of the uncooked penne pasta followed by the final 2 and 1/3 cups of sauce mixture, ensuring even coverage.
  10. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the baked ziti on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is al dente. The perfect texture was achieved at about 2 and a half hours in this recipe.
  11. Add Mozzarella Cheese: During the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and allow it to melt fully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
  12. Serve: Once cooked, serve the baked ziti hot, optionally topped with red pepper flakes, and accompanied by garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Measure the penne pasta into three equal parts before layering to ensure even cooking.
  • Greasing the slow cooker well is important to prevent sticking.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the slow cooker model; check pasta doneness at 2 hours to avoid overcooking.
  • If using low-fat cheeses, cooking times and textures may change slightly.
  • For added flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the sauce mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/crock-pot-baked-ziti-recipe/