This Slow Cooker baked ziti requires no oven time. All you have to do is mix a few ingredients. It really is that simple. It is set it and forget it easy.IMGP8853

Today is the feast of Saint Joseph. For the lack of a better description he was Jesus’s foster dad, and he was married to Mary. It is believed that he died before Jesus began his public life.  I thought I might bring you something Italian.

Why Italian you ask?

Well the Italians love Saint Joseph. I am not kidding.

It began sometime around the middle ages. Italy was in a devastating drought. Its people prayed to Saint Joseph to intervene. When they received rainy weather, they held a feast to honor him. The tradition continues today with food such as cream puffs, minestrone soup, fava beans and other delicious foods. Because this feast day falls during lent, the dishes served are usually meatless.

On this day, you will find all over the world, Saint Josephs tables and alters groaning  with scrumptious  food.

I was eyeing this slow cooker at the Walmart. I mentioned to my husband that I needed a new one. When he was at Walmart he picked one up for me. I love that it is shaped like a casserole dish. It also cooks like one. Perfect for all those church functions.

For some of us it has become increasingly hard to get dinner on the table in a timely manner. There is always so much to do with the family. It is nice to have a recipe where you can mix a few ingredients and set your slow cooker on low. Get some of those much needed chores done or spend more time with your family. Dust off that slow cooker and make things easier on you.

Now you may have some time to make some Italian bread to go with it. To go with that Italian theme.

Just saying.

SLOW COOKER BAKED ZITI

INGREDIENTS:

1 15 ounce container ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings
1 16 oz bag of shredded Italian cheese blend I used Kraft
1 cup water
2 24 ounce jars of pasta sauce
1 pound box of ziti noodles uncooked

DIRECTIONS:

Coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
In bowl combine ricotta, egg and 1/2 the bag of cheese. Set aside
In a large bowl combine water sauce and noodles. Put 1/4 of the noodles in the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer half of the ricotta mixture in the slow cooker dropping small spoonfuls and then using the back of a spoon to make a even layer. Add half of the sauce and then the other half of ricotta. Put the rest of the noodles on top. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top.
Use the remaining cheese to sprinkle over the top.
Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours
Serve from slow cooker

Note for a meat option add 1/2 pound cooked ground meat and 1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage into the sauce before layering.

Peace be with you,

Vonnie