Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bulk sausage
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 onions , chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , chopped
• 1 can tomato sauce , 29 ounce
• 1 can crushed tomatoes , 28 ounce
• 1 can diced tomatoes , 28 ounce
• 1 jar chopped roasted red peppers , 16 ounce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• 1 container ricotta cheese , 15 ounce
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 packages ziti pasta , 16 ounce

Instructions

1. 1

   Stir ground beef, sausage, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt together in a bowl.

2. 2

   Cook and stir beef mixture in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onions and garlic in hot oil until slightly golden and tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

4. 4

   Stir beef mixture, onion mixture, tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and red peppers together in a large bowl.

5. 5

   Stir 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese together in a separate bowl.

6. 6

   Spoon 1/3 of meat mixture into the slow cooker; top with 1/2 the ziti pasta. Drop 1/2 the cheese mixture by rounded tablespoons over the ziti; carefully spread cheese mixture over ziti using the back of the spoon. Repeat layering process 1 more time. Pour remaining meat sauce over the top and place the lid on the slow cooker.

7. 7

   Cook on Low for until ziti is tender, 6 to 7 hours (or cook on High for 3 to 5 hours).

8. 8

   Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top of the baked ziti and let stand until melted, about 10 minutes.