Slow Cooker Cheesy Baked Pasta!

Transform your weeknight dinners into a hassle-free gourmet experience with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Cheesy Baked Pasta recipe. Perfect for serving 8, this dish combines the richness of ground beef, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all layered with your favorite pasta sauce and ziti. Dive into the simplicity of slow cooking and bring a hearty meal to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 24-ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce
• 1 15-ounce container ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 16-ounce box ziti

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and drain the grease.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Pour 1/3 of the pasta sauce into the bottom of a greased 6-quart slow cooker.
4. Scatter 1/3 of the uncooked ziti on top of the sauce.
5. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ziti.
6. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat another layer with sauce, ziti, cheese, and the remaining ricotta mixture.
8. Repeat with the remaining ziti and sauce.
9. Fill your pasta sauce jar halfway with water and halfway with beef broth. Pour this mixture evenly over the top.
10. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours.
11. Remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
12. Cover with the lid just long enough to melt the cheese.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate this cozy pasta dish with a side of crunchy garlic bread and a fresh green salad. The garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy pasta.

Slow Cooker Magic

Using a slow cooker for this recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also infuses the pasta with more flavor as it slowly simmers. The slow cooker ensures that each layer of this baked pasta melds together perfectly, creating a comforting and delicious meal that’s ready when you are.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold up during the slow cooking process.
• Can this be made vegetarian? Absolutely! Skip the ground beef and add a layer of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can assemble the layers in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, place it in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.
• Is it possible to freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Baked Pasta not only promises a delectable dinner with minimal fuss but also stands as a testament to the joy of slow-cooked meals. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please the whole family.