In our house, we call it ‘Lazy Day Ziti.’ It’s so good, no one would guess how effortless it is!

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that brings together tender pasta, savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta. It’s an easy choice for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 15 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound uncooked ziti
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the meat: Cook the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
2. Prepare the sauce: Add the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir until combined.
3. Add the pasta: Mix the uncooked ziti into the sauce, making sure all of the pasta is coated.
4. Add the ricotta: Spoon the ricotta evenly over the pasta mixture.
5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the ziti is tender. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta can become too soft.
6. Add the cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
7. Serve: Spoon the baked ziti into bowls and garnish with fresh basil if desired.