Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti
This easy crock pot baked ziti is always a crowd pleaser and so simple to make!
This easy crock pot baked ziti is always a crowd pleaser and so simple to make!
- Carbohydrate 38.0902689441 g
- Cholesterol 59.093464064375 mg
- Fat 5.87384634898125 g
- Fiber 0.7973303371875 g
- Protein 14.1823953546438 g
- Saturated Fat 2.986051091535 g
- Serving Size 1 1 - 10 (194g)
- Sodium 391.876261248125 mg
- Sugar 37.2929386069125 g
- Trans Fat 0.6907678620075 g
- Calories 262 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine ricotta, eggs, and basil in a bowl and stir well.
- In a large bowl, combine both pasta sauces and tomato sauce together.
- Grate Parmesan cheese and set aside.
- Grease the inside of a 6 qt slow cooker.
- Add 2 1/3 cups of pasta sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add 1/3 of the uncooked penne.
- Dot on half of the ricotta mixture and spread out evenly.
- Add half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Add another 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture.
- Add an additional 1/3 of the uncooked penne.
- Dot on the remaining ricotta and spread out.
- Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan cheese.
- Add the last 1/3 of the uncooked penne.
- Top with the remaining 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until pasta is al dente.
- During the last few minutes, add asiago cheese (or sub mozzarella) to the top and allow to melt.
- Serve alone or topped with red pepper flakes and served with garlic bread.
- Enjoy!
Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – and let's be honest, something the whole family will actually eat. That's why I've become a huge fan of crockpot recipes, and this Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti has quickly become a staple in our weeknight rotation. Forget about fussy layering and hours of oven time; this recipe delivers all the cheesy, comforting goodness of baked ziti with minimal effort.
The best part? It's incredibly adaptable. I often tweak it based on what's on hand – sometimes I add spinach, other times I use different cheeses. The kids love it with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella, while my husband appreciates a bit of red pepper flake kick. It's truly a blank canvas for culinary creativity, but always delivers on flavor and ease. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it (almost!). While it simmers away, I can focus on other things – homework help, laundry, or maybe just a much-needed cup of tea. The aroma alone is enough to make the house feel warm and inviting.
Why this recipe works:
- Simplicity: Minimal chopping and prep work involved.
- Convenience: Crockpot does all the work!
- Adaptability: Customize ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Deliciousness: That creamy ricotta, tangy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta – it's a match made in heaven.
I often make a double batch on Sundays, and we enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect lunch or quick dinner option. I highly recommend trying this recipe if you're looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal that won't tie you up in the kitchen all evening.
Beyond the delicious food, the ease of preparation helps me maintain a balance in my life. Cooking shouldn't feel like a chore; it should be a joyful process, even on busy weeknights. This Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe is a perfect reflection of that philosophy. It helps me provide nourishing meals for my family without sacrificing precious time with them.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. Prepare it ahead of time and simply let the slow cooker work its magic. The result is a wonderful dish that will save you time and effort throughout the week. Having a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go when you get home from work is a true game-changer for busy professionals, like myself. It minimizes stress and maximizes quality time with family – exactly what's important to me.
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility. It works perfectly for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering with friends, or even a potluck. The creamy, cheesy goodness is always a hit, no matter the occasion. And the best part is, cleanup is a breeze! The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with minimal dishes to wash. That's a major win in my book.
So, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the simplicity of this Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti. You won't be disappointed! It's a true weeknight winner, a crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that delicious doesn't have to be difficult.
