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Cooker Baked Ziti

Savory Cooker Baked Ziti for Effortless Comfort Food Nights

Savory Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect dish for comfort food nights, combining tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese with effortless preparation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Pasta Cooking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter version.
  • 1 medium Onion Can be omitted if desired.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced or chopped works beautifully.
For the Sauce Base
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil Fresh herbs can be used if available.
  • 1 tsp Dried Parsley Fresh herbs can be used if available.
  • 28 oz Canned Tomatoes (Diced) Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree are great alternatives.
  • 1 cup Pasta Sauce Choose low-sodium or your favorite homemade brand.
  • 1 cup Broth (Chicken or Vegetable) Opt for low-sodium for a healthier choice.
For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Ziti or Penne Pasta Rigatoni or rotini make tasty substitutes.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups Cheese (e.g., Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta) Feel free to mix and match based on your taste preferences.

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooker Baked Ziti
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion for 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic, salt, basil, and parsley, and cook for an additional minute.
  2. Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker, ensuring to scrape any browned bits from the skillet for added flavor.
  3. Pour in the canned tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth, stirring to combine all ingredients for a rich, saucy base.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
  5. 30 minutes before cooking is complete, stir in the ziti or penne pasta into the slow cooker, ensuring it is well mixed.
  6. When the pasta is cooked, sprinkle a layer of cheese on top, cover again, and let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.
  7. Serve and enjoy the Cooker Baked Ziti in bowls, optionally paired with a green salad and garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe is flexible; don't hesitate to swap ingredients or customize to meet your taste preferences and make it your own.

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