SLOW COOKER BAKED ZITI

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 28 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 650 ml jar pasta sauceabout 2 1/2 cups
  • 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 375 gram box Penne or Ziti or other short pasta (about 4 cups)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute.
  2. Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir.
  3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
  4. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 20-45 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 20 minute mark.
  5. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.