Description
Crockpot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is a simple, hands‑free Italian‑inspired dinner that layers al dente ziti, robust marinara, seasoned ground beef, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a slow cooker. In 4‑6 hours the flavors meld, creating a creamy, cheesy casserole perfect for busy families. This one‑pot meal delivers comforting comfort food without oven hassle, making weeknight cooking effortless and delicious. Pair it with garlic bread and a salad for a balanced, satisfying dinner tonight.!!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, season, and drain.
- Cook ziti pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Layer half of the pasta, half of the marinara, and half of the beef in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 4‑6 hours until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- For a spicier version
- add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or a low‑heat oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Crockpot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, easy crockpot pasta, slow cooker baked ziti, ground beef recipes, family dinner ideas, Italian crockpot meals, one pot pasta