Description

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines browned ground beef, aromatic herbs, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth with tender slow-cooked pasta. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, it’s perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that serves six and delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely minced

Herbs and Seasonings

1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Liquids and Sauces

1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28 oz / 798 ml)
2½ cups marinara sauce
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese

4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340 g)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned, about 5 minutes. This step develops flavor and ensures the beef is fully cooked before slow cooking.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas and blend the flavors thoroughly.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes with liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken perfectly.
Add Pasta: Turn the slow cooker temperature to high. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the slow cooker from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Notes

Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish, but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
Stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables.
If your slow cooker runs hot, check the pasta sooner to prevent overcooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American