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Easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Deliciously Easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti for Effortless Dinners

A simple yet satisfying Easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti perfect for effortless dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese You can use cottage cheese as a substitute if needed.
  • 2 large Eggs Helps bind the cheeses together.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds nutty flavor.
Flavor Base
  • 1 tsp Salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tsp Basil Use fresh or dried.
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper Balances flavors.
Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz Gluten-Free Penne Regular penne or ziti can be substituted.
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce Use your favorite jarred or homemade version.
Topping
  • 2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Melts perfectly for a gooey topping.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Combine ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan, salt, basil, and pepper in a bowl and mix until creamy.
  3. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
  4. Spread the uncooked gluten-free penne over the marinara layer evenly.
  5. Dollop portions of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer and press down gently.
  6. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese atop the ricotta mixture.
  7. Continue layering with marinara sauce, gluten-free penne, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese for a total of three layers.
  8. Pour any remaining marinara sauce over the final layer of mozzarella cheese followed by more mozzarella and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
  9. Cover and cook on high for 2.5 hours, checking for doneness around the two-hour mark.
  10. Let sit for about 10 minutes after cooking before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, use gluten-free pasta that holds up well during cooking. Customize with additional veggies or proteins as desired.

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