CROCK POT BAKED ZITI

Crock Pot Baked Ziti image

Provided by Amanda Michelle

Time 2h10m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/2 lb ground chuck
1 jar(s) marinara sauce, 32 oz (I used mids garlic & onion)
2 can(s) petite diced tomatoes, 14.5oz
1/2 Tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 to 1.5 lb ziti pasta, or similar size (I used rigatoni)
1 tub of ricotta (I used cottage cheese because that's what I had); 15 oz
1/2 c Parmesan cheese, grated
4 c mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 big bag)
1 egg
salt and pepper

Steps:

1. In a large sauce pan, add ground beef breaking up as it browns until it's cooked through. Drain off excess grease.
2. Add the jar of marinara sauce, cans of diced tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
3. Bring to a bubble and then turn to simmer. Cover and let simmer for 20-25 minutes while you cook pasta.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot (off burner).
5. While pasta is cooking, add ricotta, Parmesan, 3/4 cup mozzarella, and egg to a medium mixing bowl and mix well.
6. Salt and pepper to taste. I also added a bit of chopped parsley because I had some, totally optional.
7. Add cheese mixture to pasta and toss to incorporate.
8. Add a ladle full of meat sauce to pasta and cheese.
9. Toss again.
10. At this point, you can layer in Crock Pot, as I did to keep warm for company, or in a casserole to bake if short on time. For the Crock Pot method, put a small amount of meat sauce to the bottom of the Crock Pot.
11. Then 1/3 noodle mixture.
12. Then 1/3 meat sauce, 1/3 mozzarella and few shakes of Parmesan.
13. Then repeat layers two more times ending with mozzarella and Parmesan.
14. Cover and set to high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until melted and bubbly.
15. Enjoy with garlic bread and tossed salad.