Slow Cooker Ziti with Ricotta and Herbs

Why I Love This Dish

The smell of herbs and cheese fills my kitchen now. It reminds me of my own busy weeknights years ago. I needed a meal that felt like a hug. This dish gave my family that comfort with little effort. Ever wonder how to make weeknights feel special without the fuss?

My First Ziti Adventure

My first time, I was in a huge rush. I forgot to drain the beef after browning it. The sauce was a bit too greasy, but we still ate it. We laughed and learned that good food brings people together. Home cooking is about the love, not perfection.

Flavor Secrets

Layers are the secret to its amazing taste. The ricotta adds a cool, creamy surprise against the warm sauce. The pasta gets so tender while soaking up all the flavor. Which flavor combo surprises you most, the creamy ricotta or the herby meat?

A Brief History

Baked ziti comes from Italian-American communities. It became popular in the mid-1900s. It is a staple at family gatherings and church suppers. This version makes that tradition easy for any weeknight. *Did you know the slow cooker method is a modern twist on a classic?* What is your favorite family pasta dish? Share your stories below.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Lean ground beef	1 pound
Onion	½ cup	diced
Garlic	1 teaspoon	minced (2 cloves)
Basil	1 teaspoon
Oregano	1 teaspoon
Pasta sauce	48 ounces	or make your own!
Baked ziti	16 ounces	uncooked
Ricotta cheese	1 cup
Parmesan cheese	½ cup
Mozzarella cheese	2 cups	shredded, divided into 2 one cup servings
Fresh parsley	As needed	chopped

Easy Slow Cooker Ziti for Busy Nights

Step 1 Brown your beef with diced onion in a pan. Drain any extra fat from the cooked meat. Add garlic and dried herbs next. Stir it all for one minute. Step 2 Mix one jar of sauce into the meat. Pour half of the second jar into your crockpot. Spread half the dry ziti over the sauce. Then add half the meat sauce. Step 3 Layer on the ricotta, parmesan, and one cup mozzarella. (A hard-learned tip: use a spoon to dollop the ricotta). Add the rest of the second sauce jar. Then the rest of the dry pasta. Step 4 Top it all with the last meat sauce. Put the lid on and cook for six hours on low. Before serving, add the last cup of mozzarella. Let it melt for fifteen minutes. What is the best cheese for a creamy layer? Share below! Cook Time: 6 hours Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes Yield: 8 servings Category: Dinner, Pasta

Make This Ziti Your Own

This recipe is a perfect starting point. You can change it to fit your mood. Try a new twist to keep dinner exciting. Vegetarian Ziti Skip the beef. Use a cup of chopped mushrooms instead. They add a nice, meaty feel. Spicy Kick Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat. Use a spicy marinara sauce for more heat. Summer Garden Stir in fresh zucchini and spinach with the herbs. It is a great way to use veggies. Which spin would your family love the most? Tell me in the comments!

Serving Your Masterpiece

This ziti is a full meal by itself. But a simple side salad is always good. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up sauce. For drinks, try a simple red wine. A non-alcoholic choice could be sparkling water with lemon. Both pair well with the rich flavors. Which would you choose tonight: a crisp salad or buttery garlic bread?

Keeping Your Ziti Perfect

This ziti keeps well for three days in the fridge. Reheat single servings in the microwave. Add a splash of water first. This keeps the pasta from drying out. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in your refrigerator before reheating. I always make a double batch. It saves me on the craziest weeknights.

Simple Fixes for Common Problems

Is your pasta too dry? Just stir in a little extra sauce next time. If the bottom burns, your slow cooker might run hot. Try a two-hour less cook time on low. Cheese not melting nicely? Let it sit with the lid on after adding it. This gives it time to get perfectly gooey. Have you ever had a slow cooker meal burn?

Your Ziti Questions Answered

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just check the cook time. It might need less time.

Can I prepare it ahead? Absolutely. Assemble everything the night before. Keep it covered in the fridge. Then just pop it in the cooker.

What meat can I swap for beef? Italian sausage works wonderfully. For a lighter option, try ground turkey instead.

How do I double this recipe? Use a large six-quart slow cooker. Keep all the layering steps the same. It will just take longer to cook.

Can I skip the ricotta? You sure can. Cottage cheese is a great substitute. It gives a similar creamy texture.

Share Your Family’s Joy

I love seeing your kitchen wins. This dish always brings my family to the table. What weeknight recipe does your family love most? Share a picture of your creation with me. Tag @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your delicious ziti!

Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.