Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Baked Ziti Is the Queen of Easy Recipes
- How a Slow Cooker Transforms Pasta Dinners
- Comfort Food Without the Fuss
- Slow Cooker Meals for Busy Weeknights
- Get Creative With Easy Dinner Recipes
- Final Thoughts From Patricia Universe
Key Takeaways
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dinner. It’s one of the most comforting and practical easy recipes to keep on hand. Plus, it’s family-friendly, affordable, and delicious!
Why This Baked Ziti Is the Queen of Easy Recipes
If you’re craving a meal that checks all the boxes—hearty, simple, and satisfying—this baked ziti has you covered. It’s no surprise that easy recipes like this are staples for home cooks everywhere. By tossing together pantry staples and letting your slow cooker do the magic, you’ll have a dinner that’s equal parts delicious and comforting. From first bite to last, this dish truly proves that easy recipes can still feel indulgent and special.
How a Slow Cooker Transforms Pasta Dinners
The slow cooker doesn’t just save time—it enhances the flavor, giving your pasta that oven-baked taste without heating up your kitchen. As it cooks low and slow, the sauces meld beautifully, and the cheese becomes irresistibly gooey. Whether you’re into butter swim biscuits easy recipes or traditional pasta bakes, the slow cooker simplifies everything.
Comfort Food Without the Fuss
On chilly days or hectic evenings, comfort food brings that much-needed calm. This dish delivers all the cozy goodness of a lasagna but with less effort. If you’re a fan of cheesey potatoes easy recipe ideas or warm casseroles, this recipe fits right in. It’s rich, filling, and exactly what you need when you want dinner on the table with minimal work.
Slow Cooker Meals for Busy Weeknights
We all know the struggle of dinner prep after a long day. With this recipe, you can prep in just 15 minutes and let the slow cooker take over. Easy recipes like this free up your evening and keep everyone full and happy. Plus, it fits right in with your weekly rotation of chicken stirfry easy recipe options or quick pasta meals.
Get Creative With Easy Dinner Recipes
Don’t be afraid to switch things up. Use ground turkey, add in veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or try different cheeses. This baked ziti pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad. And if you love exploring easy recipes ninja creami or dinner recipes with a twist, this meal is a great foundation to customize.
Final Thoughts From Patricia Universe
At Patricia Universe, we believe food should be approachable and fun. This slow cooker baked ziti is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that easy recipes can bring big joy. Gather your ingredients, set it, forget it, and enjoy a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti – Easy Recipes for Busy Nights
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 box (16 oz) ziti pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups water or broth
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add half of the uncooked pasta over the sauce.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Layer half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, followed by a portion of the cooked beef, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Repeat layers: pasta, ricotta, beef, sauce, and cheese.
- Pour 2 cups of water or broth evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
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