Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why This Slow Cooker Ziti Recipe is a Must-Try
- What Makes This One of the Best Easy Recipes
- Behind the Scenes in Betty’s Kitchen
- Comfort Food That Practically Cooks Itself
- How to Serve and Store Your Ziti Like a Pro
- Tips and Tricks You’ll Want to Save
Key Takeaways
This slow cooker baked ziti is one of the best easy recipes you’ll ever try. It’s hearty, comforting, budget-friendly, and perfect for dinner. It’s made right in your crockpot, which makes it a go-to dish for busy nights or easy entertaining. Great for families, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Why This Slow Cooker Ziti Recipe is a Must-Try
At Betty Cooks, we believe easy recipes should never lack flavor or warmth. That’s why this slow cooker ziti became one of our family’s favorites. It checks all the boxes: easy prep, minimal mess, and pure deliciousness. The first time I served it, I knew it had a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.
What Makes This One of the Best Easy Recipes
When people search for easy recipes, they often want something that delivers comfort with simplicity. This dish does just that. With simple layering and a few pantry staples, this ziti dish transforms into something magical by dinner time. It’s what I like to call “set it and forget it perfection.”
Behind the Scenes in Betty’s Kitchen
Every recipe I share on Betty Cooks has a story, and this one came from a week when we had a full calendar and very little time to cook. I tossed everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by evening, the house smelled like an Italian kitchen. That’s when I knew this ziti would be a keeper. Dinner recipes like this one let you breathe a little easier.
Comfort Food That Practically Cooks Itself
Slow cooker meals are a game-changer for busy weeknights, and this baked ziti is no exception. If you’re looking for quick and easy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, this is it. The creamy cheese layers and tender pasta make it a family favorite, especially when life gets chaotic.
How to Serve and Store Your Ziti Like a Pro
This baked ziti pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread, and leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave for a satisfying lunch or second dinner. It’s one of those food receipt easy recipes that keeps on giving.
Tips and Tricks You’ll Want to Save
Use a non-stick spray in your slow cooker for easier cleanup. Want extra richness? Swap out cottage cheese with ricotta. You can also try ground turkey instead of beef. It’s easy recipes like this that make planning dinner feel like less of a chore. And yes, even air fryer desserts easy recipes can’t compete with this slow-cooked comfort.
Easy Recipes: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 box (16 oz) ziti pasta, uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the pasta sauce, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, sour cream, and egg until combined.
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Layer as follows: sauce, uncooked pasta, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and mozzarella.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or until pasta is tender.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving, if desired.
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