Slow Cooker Pasta Bake

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy slow cooker dinner

• Cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor

• Perfect for busy weeknights

• Simple ingredients and minimal prep

• Family-friendly comfort food

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Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

Preparation

1. Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat.

2. Prepare the Sauce

Stir marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the cooked meat mixture.

3. Layer the Ingredients

Lightly grease the slow cooker. Add half of the uncooked pasta to the bottom. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.

Add dollops of ricotta or cottage cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella.

Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese.

4. Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until the pasta is tender.

5. Add Final Cheese Layer

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking and allow it to melt.