Description
This Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. With layers of ziti pasta, Italian sausage, and cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1/2 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 36 ounces marinara sauce (1 1/2 jars)
– 1 1/2 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
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
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Add onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook until onion is soft and fragrant.
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Stir in marinara sauce and beef broth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
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Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker. Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom.
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Layer half of the ziti, then spoon over some ricotta, a portion of the sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Repeat layers, ending with remaining sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
Notes
– For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the Italian sausage with mushrooms or tofu.
– To add more vegetables, you can include diced bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg