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Comforting Crockpot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This comforting Crockpot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a hearty and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Combining tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, this dish delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal effort using a slow cooker. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deliciously cheesy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 onion, finely diced
  • 1.5 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2.5 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (preferably Rao’s Homemade)
  • 1/2 cup half and half

Pasta and Cheese

  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 10 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Season the Meat Mixture: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the cooked beef mixture, ensuring the spices are well distributed.
  4. Combine Sauce and Liquids: In the slow cooker, pour in the beef broth, marinara sauce, and half and half. Stir to combine these liquids evenly.
  5. Add Pasta and Meat Mixture to Slow Cooker: Add the dry ziti pasta and the cooked seasoned ground beef mixture into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to distribute the pasta and meat evenly throughout the sauce.
  6. Slow Cook the Ziti: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 3 hours and 20 minutes (200 minutes), or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
  7. Incorporate the Cheeses: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve: Once the cheese has melted and the pasta is tender, give a gentle stir to combine everything. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting crockpot baked ziti!

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of half and half before cooking.
  • Rao’s Homemade marinara sauce is recommended for its rich flavor, but any good quality marinara will work well.
  • Make sure to stir the ingredients well before cooking to prevent pasta from sticking.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage if desired.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/comforting-crockpot-baked-ziti-with-ground-beef-recipe/