Slow cookers can transform ordinary ingredients into rich, flavorful meals, and this hearty ziti with meat sauce is no exception. Prepared low and slow, each bite is imbued with comforting spices, tender noodles, and plenty of gooey cheese. It’s a bowl of coziness that practically cooks itself!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 jar (24 ounces) of your favorite tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking the meat into small pieces. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat mixture with the tomato sauce, water (or broth), dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well so that everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Add the uncooked ziti pasta, then give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure the noodles are covered in the sauce. This step helps the pasta cook evenly without clumping.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle 1½ cups of the mozzarella cheese on top, allowing it to melt into a bubbly layer. Stir everything gently if you like more integrated cheesiness.
5. Just before dishing up, top with the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese. Cover and let it rest for a few minutes until the cheese melts beautifully. Spoon the ziti into bowls and serve hot!
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a fuss-free weeknight meal, this slow cooker ziti with meat sauce fits the bill perfectly. Its comforting flavors appeal to everyone, and there are plenty of ways to customize it—try ground turkey for a lighter option, or toss in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. The sauce-braised pasta ensures a tender bite without boiling water, and the final cheesy topping provides pure deliciousness. Make it when you need a break from the stove but still crave a deeply satisfying dinner!
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
