Crockpot Baked Ziti

Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe! With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• The combination of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and cheeses creates a flavorful and comforting dish.
• With just a few simple steps, you can have this meal prepped and cooking in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• This recipe is great for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be enjoyed for several days.

Ingredient Notes:

• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the Italian sausage and onions.
• Italian sausage: Adds a delicious savory flavor to the dish.
• Onion and garlic: Provide aromatic flavors to the sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Marinara sauce: The base of the sauce, you can use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
• Beef broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Ziti pasta: The classic pasta shape used in this recipe.
• Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese: Create a creamy and cheesy topping for the ziti.
• Fresh basil: Optional for topping, adds a fresh herbaceous flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the Italian sausage until cooked through. Add onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
2. Stir in marinara sauce and beef broth, then transfer the mixture to the crockpot.
3. Add dry ziti pasta to the crockpot and stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta and mozzarella cheese. Drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top of the pasta.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
6. Serve the baked ziti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Helpful Tips:

• For a lighter version, you can use turkey sausage or ground beef instead of Italian sausage.
• To make this dish vegetarian, swap the Italian sausage for meatless crumbles or chopped vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. To add extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano and parsley.
2. For a gooey and cheesy finish, broil the baked ziti in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Crockpot Baked Ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different pasta shape instead of ziti? Yes, you can use any short pasta shape you prefer.
2. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze the baked ziti for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot? Yes, you can follow the same steps and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.
4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe? Absolutely, use your favorite brand of marinara sauce for convenience.

Conclusion:

Don’t wait any longer to try this mouthwatering Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe! Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a cozy meal at home, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Crockpot Baked Ziti

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This Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare. With layers of Italian sausage, ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Touria Elkoudssi
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 mins
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main-course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Main 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

Optional Toppings:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook Italian sausage, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning until browned.
2. Layer Ingredients: In a crockpot, layer marinara sauce, beef broth, ziti pasta, cooked sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
4. Serve: Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.

Notes

• You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• For a vegetarian option, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it altogether.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg