Slow Cooker Pasta Bake

The “Crowd-Favorite” Slow Cooker Pasta Bake

The Foundation

• 1 lb Ground beef (or Italian sausage for more kick)
• 1 box (16 oz) Short pasta (Ziti, Penne, or Rigatoni)
• 1 jar (24 oz) High-quality Marinara sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1/2 cup Beef broth or water

The Cheesy Layers

• 1 container (15 oz) Ricotta cheese
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella (save half for the top)
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
• 1 Large egg (to bind the ricotta)

The Flavor Boosters

• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley for that “professional” garnish seen in your photoInstructions
  1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with the minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain the excess grease.
  2. The Ricotta Mix: In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, the egg, the Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella. Add your Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt/pepper.
  3. The Assembly: In your slow cooker, stir together the cooked meat, the marinara sauce, the diced tomatoes, the broth, and the uncooked pasta. (Yes, uncooked—the moisture from the sauce and broth will cook it to a perfect texture).
  4. The Swirl: Drop large dollops of the ricotta mixture onto the pasta and gently swirl it in with a spoon. Don’t over-mix; you want those pockets of creamy cheese.
  5. The Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours. Check at the 3-hour mark; the pasta should be tender but not mushy.
  6. The Finishing Touch: About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover it back up until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. The Garnish: Hit it with that fresh chopped parsley right before the first person dives in.
  Pro Tip: If you want that golden-brown crust on the cheese like in your photo, you can carefully pop the removable ceramic insert into the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the very end. Just make sure your specific slow cooker pot is oven-safe!