This post is sponsored by Bertolli. All comments and opinions are my own.

slow-cooker-ziti-meatballs-crockpot

So what’s for dinner tonight? Is that the question you struggle with day after day, week after week? Well let me make your life just a little bit easier! I have a recipe that you are going to be thrilled to make and your family is going to love to eat!

My recipe for Slow Cooker Ziti & Meatballs is one that I turn to those days when I know I won’t have any time to really “cook” dinner.  This is one of those recipes that you throw together and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

You don’t need a bunch of ingredients but you do need to choose them wisely. The main requirement is that you use a quality sauce as your noodles and meatballs will simmer and cook in this sauce. A flavorless, watery sauce will mean a bland dish and that’s not what you want! I use Bertolli® Five Cheese Sauce to give my recipe the perfect taste that’s bold, rich and filled with great flavor!

You’ll need two jars as you simply layer the sauce with noodles, cheese and precooked meatballs. I wasn’t kidding when I told you it was easy! When everything cooks up and the flavors meld, you have the equivalent of a delicious baked ziti without any of the work!

My guys flip over this meal and I love it because it’s a whole lot of food. I can usually get a big meal plus lots of leftovers for lunches.

bertolli-ziti-ingredients

Don’t forget that we have a coupon for great savings on Bertolli® Sauce at Publix. Print your coupon and whip up this recipe or any of your favorites at a super discount. Bertolli® sauces use the finest ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, 100% olive oil, and real cream to help you bring authentic Tuscan flavors into your kitchen.

Slow Cooker Ziti & Meatballs
Author: Michelle
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Ingredients
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 (24 oz) jars Bertolli® Five Cheese Sauce
  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 12 oz pre-cooked frozen meatballs
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley, if desired for garnish
Instructions
  1. Coat the inside of the slow cooker crock completely.
  2. Add 2 cups of Bertolli® Five Cheese Sauce to the bottom of the crock.
  3. Mix the ricotta and egg whites together until combined.
  4. Begin to layer the ingredients by adding half the pasta, half the meatballs, half of the ricotta mixture in dollops, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
  5. Follow that with 2 cups of Bertolli® Five Cheese Sauce then the remaining pasta, meatballs, ricotta mixture, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
  6. Top with the remaining Bertolli® Five Cheese Sauce.
  7. Cover and cook on high for 4 1/2 – 5 hours or until the pasta is tender.
  8. Add the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese and parsley. Cover and allow to melt…about 15 minutes.

Get more information and other great recipes on the Bertolli website.

slow-cooker-ziti-meatballs