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Crock Pot Baked Ziti

🇺🇸 United States

Servings: 8 Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 4 hours Total: 4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (16-ounce) box uncooked ziti pasta
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage and onion until sausage is browned, 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
  3. Add marinara sauce, tomato sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 3-5 minutes.
  4. Lightly grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
  5. Layer 1/3 of the uncooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat to make 3 layers total.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until pasta is tender but not mushy.
  7. Let sit uncovered for 10-15 minutes to set. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

This is an American slow-cooker adaptation of the classic Italian-American baked ziti dish.

Source: insanelygoodrecipes.com