In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain the excess fat.
In the slow cooker, combine the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the uncooked ziti pasta, ensuring the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top of the pasta mixture.
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or until the pasta is tender.
During the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Variations & Tips
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat altogether and add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Gluten-free pasta works well for those with gluten sensitivities—just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might cook faster. For an extra kick, you can also add some red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.