Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory flavor to the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

16 oz Dried Ziti: The pasta that holds the sauce and cheese together, offering a comforting texture.

2 jars Pasta Sauce (your choice): This simplifies the recipe, giving it a rich, tomato-based flavor. Marinara or Tomato Basil sauces are excellent choices.

15 oz Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess to the dish, making it rich and comforting.

1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer on top, adding to the classic baked ziti flavor.

2 cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor and helps create a crispy cheese crust.

2 Eggs: Helps bind the ricotta cheese mixture, ensuring it holds its texture during cooking.

15 oz Tomato Sauce: Adds extra moisture and enhances the tomato flavor.

⅓ cup Fresh Basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens up the dish.

Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

Cooking Spray: To prevent sticking in the slow cooker.

DIRECTIONS:

Step 1: Prepare The Ingredients

Cook The Ground Beef:

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

Make The Cheese Mixture:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and chopped basil. Mix until well combined.

Prepare The Sauce:

In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and pasta sauce. This will be your main sauce for layering.

Step 2: Assemble The Ziti In The Slow Cooker

Grease The Slow Cooker:

Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Layer The Ingredients:

Spread about 2⅓ cups of the sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add a layer of dried ziti (about a third of the pasta), spreading it evenly over the sauce.

Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti.

Sprinkle half of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.

Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the Parmesan layer.

Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce on top …