CROCK POT BAKED ZITI

Sure, here’s a recipe for Crockpot Baked Ziti, a delicious and comforting pasta dish that’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker:

Crockpot Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta (or any other short pasta like penne or rigatoni)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24-26 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook Ground Beef/Sausage (if using):
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare Slow Cooker:
   • Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
3. Layer Ingredients:
   • In the slow cooker, layer the ingredients in the following order:
     • Half of the cooked pasta
     • Half of the cooked ground beef/sausage (if using)
     • Half of the chopped onion and minced garlic
     • Half of the marinara sauce
     • Half of the diced tomatoes
     • Half of the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper
     • Half of the ricotta cheese, dolloped evenly
     • Half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese
4. Repeat Layers:
   • Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Once cooked, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker.

Tips:

• Meat Variation: You can use ground turkey, chicken, or omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for variety.
• Vegetarian Option: Increase the vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to make it heartier and vegetarian-friendly.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious Crockpot Baked Ziti straight from the slow cooker!