If using ground beef or sausage, brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat (if using), marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

In the crockpot, layer half of the uncooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the sauce mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, sauce mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.

Once cooked, serve hot and enjoy your delicious baked ziti!