1. Can I cook Crock Pot Baked Ziti on low instead of high?

Yes, you can cook this dish on low. While the recipe is designed for high cooking at 2 ½ hours, you can cook it on low for 4–5 hours. Just make sure to check the doneness of the pasta to avoid overcooking or undercooking.

2. Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the Crock Pot?

No, the pasta should be added uncooked. The liquid from the sauce will cook the pasta as it slow cooks, resulting in a perfectly cooked, tender texture.

3. Can I add meat to this Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe?

Absolutely! You can add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or even cubed chicken for added protein. Simply cook the meat first and layer it in with the other ingredients as you build your dish.

4. Can I make Crock Pot Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. However, if you’re planning to do this, ensure the noodles aren’t sitting in the sauce for too long, as they could become too soft. It's best to assemble and cook the next day for the best results

Crock Pot Baked Ziti – Cheesy & Delicious (No Boiling Required)

Name: Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 32 oz Ricotta Cheese; 2 large Eggs; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Basil; ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper; ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for topping); 48 oz Marinara Sauce (2 jars of 24 oz each); 12 oz Uncooked Gluten-Free Penne (or Ziti); 16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Description

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and cheesy Italian dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. With layers of pasta, marinara sauce, and three different cheeses, this recipe delivers the ultimate cheesy, gooey meal without the hassle of pre-cooking the pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

32 oz Ricotta Cheese
2 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Basil
¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for topping)
48 oz Marinara Sauce (2 jars of 24 oz each)
12 oz Uncooked Gluten-Free Penne (or Ziti)
16 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

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Instructions

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, basil, salt, and pepper together until smooth.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer uncooked pasta on top of the sauce.
Spoon five dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers (sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella) two more times.
Finish with a final layer of sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese (no pasta in this layer).
Cook on high for 2 ½ hours or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.

Notes

Ensure that all noodles are fully covered in sauce for even cooking.
You can add meat, such as ground beef or Italian sausage, for extra protein.
This dish can be frozen for later use. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Check doneness after the recommended cooking time and adjust if necessary, as crockpot temperatures can vary.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 586 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1722mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 152mg