Description
Hearty crockpot baked ziti brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Rich pasta layers meld with melted cheeses and savory marinara, creating a soul-warming meal perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
Pasta:
- 1 pound dry ziti pasta (1 box)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Sauce and Liquids:
- 36 ounces (1.02 kilograms) marinara sauce (1 1/2 jars)
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fat:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh basil (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, creating a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances the meat’s flavor profile.
- Introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and aromatic Italian seasoning, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld the robust flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Prepare the crockpot by applying a light coating of cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Construct the first layer by arranging half of the ziti pasta, creating an even foundation for the subsequent ingredients.
- Delicately dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of the creamy cheese.
- Ladle a generous portion of the prepared sauce across the ricotta, creating a moisture-rich environment for the pasta.
- Sprinkle a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, allowing for a complex, tangy cheese layer.
- Repeat the layering process, starting with the remaining ziti and concluding with a final lavish topping of sauce and a blanket of mixed cheeses.
- Secure the crockpot lid and allow the dish to slowly cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, developing deep, interconnected flavors.
- Once the ziti reaches a bubbling consistency and the cheese has completely melted, remove from heat.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves to introduce a bright, herbaceous note before serving.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Prevent cheese from sticking by using a slow cooker liner or generously greasing the interior with cooking spray.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional ziti with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
- Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and beef broth, making the dish heart-friendly and dietary-conscious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg