Description

Make a delicious dinner easily in your slow cooker. It's a great meal to serve for a busy family, especially for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef, Italian sausage or turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped or grated
• 1 t. minced garlic
• 1 t. salt
• 1 t. dried basil
• 1 t. dried parsley
• 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 22 oz. jarred pasta sauce (about 2 1/2 c.)
• 2 1/2 c. chicken broth or water
• 12-13 oz. ziti (or penne or other short pasta, about 4 c.)
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Steps

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned; discard excess grease. Stir in garlic and salt; cook 1 minute. (You could also add the raw onion and spices right into the slow cooker to save on time after the meat is browned.)
2. Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and chicken broth/water to a 4 quart or larger slow cooker; stir.
3. Cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 3 hours.