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featured crockpot baked ziti.

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 598kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
This crockpot baked ziti recipe is made with a delicious Italian seasoned pasta sauce with three different kinds of cheeses, and hearty sausage. The whole family will love it!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
  • ½ onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 36 ounces marinara sauce (1½ jars)
  • 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 pound dry ziti pasta (1 box)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
  • Fresh basil optional, for topping

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a very large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
    overhead view of ingredients for crockpot baked ziti.
  • Once heated, add in the sausage and use a wooden spoon to break it up into chunks
    1 pound Italian sausage
  • Brown the meat.
  • Add in the onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, sautéing until the onions are soft.
    ½ onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Pour the marinara sauce and broth over the meat and stir until combined.
    36 ounces marinara sauce, 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
  • Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker covering it completely.
  • Top with half of the uncooked pasta.
    1 pound dry ziti pasta
  • Drop 4-5 spoonfuls of ricotta over pasta.
    1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
    2 cups mozzarella cheese
    marinara, ziti, and dollops of ricotta in a crockpot.
  • Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the remaining pasta, and the remaining ricotta, and ½ cup mozzarella.
  • Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top.
    cooked crockpot baked ziti in a crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on high for 1½-2 hours or on low for 2-4 hours.
  • Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
    parmesan cheese topped crockpot baked ziti in a crockpot.
  • Serve with grated parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
    Grated Parmesan cheese, Fresh basil

Video

Notes

  • After cooking the sausage, drain any excess fat to avoid making the ziti greasy.
  • Choose a short pasta shape; otherwise, you'll have to stir the pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
  • Check the pasta on the lower end of the cook time to avoid mushy pasta.
Storage: Store crockpot baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 598kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 1307mg | Potassium: 810mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 883IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 253mg | Iron: 3mg