This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is made completely in the crockpot — even the pasta! It is so much easier than the traditional version but packs all of the same flavor!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
1 onion finely chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
28 oz can diced tomatoes
650 ml jar pasta sauce about 2 1/2 cups
2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
375 gram box Penne or Ziti or other short pasta (about 4 cups)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. (OPTIONAL: you can also add the raw onion and spices right into the slow cooker to save on time)
Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir.
Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Turn slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 15 minute mark.
Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
PRINTABLE RECIPE & NUTRITION INFO: https://www.thereciperebel.com/slow-cooker-baked-ziti/
