Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

6-8 hours on low or 4-6 hours on high

Difficulty Level:

2 (Simple)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown sausage, onion, and garlic.
2. In a slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in sausage mixture.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add to slow cooker.
4. In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir and pour over pasta mixture.
5. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 4-6 hours.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 550 per serving
• Fat: 20 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 60 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Cheesy, comforting, and flavorful
• Perfect for a hearty meal or weeknight dinner
• Can be easily customized with different cheeses or vegetables

User Comments:

• "This dish was amazing! The sausage and cheese flavors were perfect together."
• "I love that I can just throw everything in the slow cooker and it's ready when I am."
• "This is a great dish to feed a crowd. I made it for a party and everyone loved it."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have a slow cooker, you can bake the ziti in a preheated 375F (190C) oven for about 30-45 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
• To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage.
• You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as cooked ground beef, vegetables, or herbs.