SLOW COOKER BAKED ZITI

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti image

Provided by Carol Junkins @CarolAJ

Categories Pork

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/4 - italian sausage
1 - onion, chopped
2 clove(s) garlic, chopped
1 - 15 oz container ricotta cheese
2 - egg whites
2 cup(s) shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
1 cup(s) parmesean cheese (divided)
1/2 teaspoon(s) oregano
2 can(s) (26 oz) jars of spaghetti sauce
1 box(es) ziti pasta (uncooked) but rinsed and drained
1/4 teaspoon(s) chopped parsely

Steps:

Coat a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, onion, and garlic 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned; drain and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg whites, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and oregano; mix well.
In the slow cooker, layer 2 cups sauce, half the sausage mixture, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, half the ziti, and half the ricotta mixture; repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.
Cover and cook on low 4 to 5 hours, or until pasta is tender.