Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is actually made completely in the crockpot — even the pasta! It is so much easier than the traditional version but packs all of the same flavor!

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 4 hrs

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef, turkey or Italian sausage

1 onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes

1 650ml jar pasta sauce (about 2 1/2 cups)

2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth

1 375g box Penne or Ziti (or other short) pasta (about 4 cups)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute.
2. Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir.
3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 20-45 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 20 minute mark.
5. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.