Step 1

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2

In a slow cooker, combine the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Stir in the uncooked ziti pasta, making sure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce mixture.

Step 4

Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly across the pasta.

Step 5

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender.

Step 6

In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Step 7

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.