Craving a comforting Italian dish that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker to work and let it work its magic for four hours. Imagine coming home to a bubbling pot of cheesy goodness, where every bite is a delightful blend of ziti pasta, rich marinara, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends without keeping you chained to the kitchen. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 16 oz of ziti pasta, 24 oz of marinara sauce, 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the marinara sauce with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated parmesan cheese. This will create a delicious sauce mixture for your baked ziti.
- Next, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl with the marinara sauce mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- In your crockpot, start by layering half of the pasta and sauce mixture at the bottom. Then, spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
- Next, add a layer of half of the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated parmesan cheese on top of the ricotta layer.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta and sauce mixture, followed by the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses on top.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This slow cooking will allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After 4 hours, check the ziti to ensure it is heated through and the cheeses have melted. The top should be bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once done, turn off the crockpot and let the baked ziti sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time will help the dish set up a bit.
- Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious and easy crockpot baked ziti!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider prepping the ricotta mixture and marinara sauce the night before. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Layering is Key: Make sure to layer your ingredients evenly in the crockpot. This helps ensure that every bite is packed with flavor and that the cheeses melt perfectly.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After cooking, let the baked ziti sit for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to scoop out servings without falling apart.
- Add Some Veggies: For a nutritional boost, feel free to add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce mixture before layering.
- Experiment with Cheeses: If you want to mix things up, try using different cheeses like provolone or fontina for added flavor and creaminess.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese on top before serving can elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor.
- Leftovers: This baked ziti makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat for a quick meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
