Description
This creamy, cheesy baked ziti transforms weeknight dinners into heartwarming family gatherings, delighting everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- 1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- 2. Mix the Cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese with oregano, basil, and half of the grated Parmesan.
- 3. Layer the Ingredients: In your crock pot, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Add half of the uncooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the browned meat mixture and dollops of ricotta cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella on top.
- 4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or high for around 2-3 hours until bubbly.
- 5. Serve: Once done cooking, sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top, let cool slightly, and serve hot.
- 6. Enjoy Together: Pair with a side salad or garlic bread if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg