1-First Steps: Gather and Prep Start with mise en place to set yourself up for success it only takes 10-15 minutes! Gather your ingredients like the 1 pound ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic, then brown the meat in a skillet for 5-7 minutes to build flavor. While that’s happening, prep your pasta and seasonings, and remember the total prep time is just 15 minutes.

2-Add and Cook the Base: Once prepped, transfer everything to your slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well, then cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours as per the directions. This slow cooking step melds the flavors beautifully, giving you that signature baked ziti taste.

3-Finish with Pasta and Cheese: Switch to high heat, add the uncooked pasta, and stir to combine cook for 15 to 30 minutes until al dente. Finally, sprinkle on the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, cover, and let it melt for 3 to 5 minutes. For more flavor variations, you can explore simple berry dessert ideas to pair with your meal.