Description
This easy Crockpot Ziti recipe is the perfect slow cooker comfort food, packed with tender pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potlucks, this no-boil ziti cooks to perfection right in your crockpot!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups marinara sauce
12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
1 large egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until soft. Drain excess fat.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
3. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart crockpot. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
4. Add a handful of uncooked ziti, followed by a portion of the meat mixture, dollops of the ricotta blend, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce and mozzarella on top.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours or until pasta is tender and cheese is fully melted.
7. Turn off the crockpot and let the ziti rest uncovered for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook! The pasta can become too soft if left too long in the slow cooker.
Use full-fat ricotta for a creamier, richer filling.
For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with sautéd mushrooms and spinach.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg