Crockpot Boursin Meatball Baked Ziti Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a good-quality marinara that isn't too watery. If you like a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the herbs.

You can also add a splash of red wine to the sauce for extra depth, but the video doesn't show that — keep it simple.

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.

Stir gently before serving to distribute the creamy sauce. Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Replace the beef meatballs with cooked Italian sausage links, sliced. The spicy sausage adds a nice kick and pairs well with the creamy Boursin.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs and use a vegetarian marinara. The Boursin and fontina make it rich and satisfying without the meat.
• Chicken Meatball Twist: Use ground chicken meatballs instead of beef. They cook slightly faster, so check for doneness at the minimum time. The flavor is lighter but still delicious.
• Extra Veggie Boost: Add a layer of sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach between the pasta and sauce. The vegetables cook down and add extra nutrients and flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or marinara.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or marinara to loosen the sauce.

You can assemble the entire dish in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed, adding 30 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving ideas

Serve this baked ziti straight from the slow cooker for a casual family dinner.

A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread for sopping up the sauce are perfect companions. Keep it simple with a glass of red wine.

For a more formal presentation, plate individual portions on white plates, letting the cheese stretch as you spoon it.

Garnish with fresh basil if you have it, though the video doesn't show that. This dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Boursin Meatball Baked Ziti

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb homestyle Italian beef meatballs
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 4 cups sweet basil marinara sauce
• 2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1 wheel garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese (5.2 oz)
• 2 cups shredded Italian fontina cheese

Instructions

1. Place the beef meatballs in an even layer in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the ziti pasta over the meatballs, spreading it out evenly. Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and meatballs, then sprinkle with the Italian herb seasoning. Do not stir.
2. Place the Boursin cheese wheel in the center of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded fontina cheese over the top, covering the surface evenly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C). Stir gently before serving.
4. Spoon the baked ziti and meatballs onto a serving plate. Serve hot, with extra Parmesan if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

680

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

58 g

Fat

34 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.