Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

1 . Stage

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

2 . Stage

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

3 . Stage

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 . Stage

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

5 . Stage

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

6 . Stage

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 . Stage

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

8 . Stage

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