Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the ziti pasta until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overcook it, as the pasta will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat (Optional): If you’re adding ground beef or sausage, brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside. This step adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish but is entirely optional.

Mix the Cheese Filling

1. Combine the Cheeses: In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Ziti

1. Layer the Slow Cooker: Start by spreading a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers, alternating between pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese until all the ingredients are used up.
2. Top with Mozzarella: Once you’ve finished layering, top the entire dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese. If you’re adding any extra ingredients like mushrooms or spinach, now is the time to scatter them over the top.

Cook the Ziti

1. Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4-5 hours, or until the cheese is bubbly and the flavors have melded together. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow yields the best results.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: After cooking, sprinkle the top with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Serve: Scoop the ziti onto plates and enjoy a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal.