Slow Cooker Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water or beef broth

Instructions

1. Cook the meat
   
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Prepare the sauce
   
   • In a bowl, mix the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Layer in the slow cooker
   
   • Lightly grease the slow cooker.
   • Add a layer of uncooked pasta, then meat sauce, then ricotta, and mozzarella.
   • Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
7. Add liquid
   
   • Pour water or broth around the edges to help cook the pasta.
9. Cook
   
   • Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours, until pasta is tender.
11. Add final cheese
    
    • Sprinkle Parmesan and extra mozzarella on top during the last 10–15 minutes.

Optional Add-Ins

• Mushrooms or bell peppers
• Spinach
• Crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Serving Tip

Let the pasta bake sit for 5–10 minutes before serving so it firms up and slices nicely.