Lazy Day Ziti

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Lazy Day Ziti

Description

Lazy Day Ziti is a set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal made with tender ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s perfect for busy days, slow cookers, or anytime you want a hearty homemade dinner without standing over the stove. Rich, filling, and crowd-pleasing—no one will ever guess how easy it is.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) ziti or rigatoni pasta

  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage

  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes (optional, for extra sauce)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

 Instructions (Effortless Method)

Option 1: Slow Cooker (True Lazy Day)

  1. Brown ground meat in a skillet; drain excess fat.

  2. Cook pasta just until al dente (slightly firm); drain.

  3. Add pasta, meat, marinara, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings to the slow cooker.

  4. Stir gently to combine.

  5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours or HIGH for 1–1½ hours.

  7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Option 2: Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Mix cooked pasta, meat, sauce, and seasonings in a baking dish.

  3. Top with cheeses.

  4. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Notes & Tips

  • Use jarred sauce to save time—no shame here!

  • Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version

  • Add ricotta if you want it extra creamy

  • Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray for easy cleanup

  • Great make-ahead and freezer-friendly meal

Servings

  • Serves 6–8 people

 Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 430–480

  • Protein: 25–30 g

  • Carbohydrates: 40–45 g

  • Fat: 18–22 g

  • Fiber: 4–6 g
    (Values vary by meat and cheese used)

 Benefits

✔ Comforting and filling
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Minimal prep and cleanup
✔ Kid-approved
✔ Easy to customize
✔ Great for leftovers and meal prep

 Q & A

Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace meat with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely—penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great.

Q: Can I freeze Lazy Day Ziti?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I reheat it?
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of sauce.

Q: Why is it called “Lazy Day”?
Because it delivers big flavor with very little effort—perfect for tired days or busy nights.

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