Craving classic baked ziti but don’t want to turn on the oven? This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti delivers all the cheesy, saucy comfort you love—without the extra work. Tender pasta, rich marinara, and layers of melted cheese cook together in the crockpot for an easy, hands-off dinner the whole family will adore.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a cozy Italian-style meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍝 All the flavor of baked ziti—no oven required
- 🧀 Extra cheesy and perfectly saucy
- ⏳ Simple, mostly hands-off cooking
- 👨👩👧 Family-friendly comfort food
- 🍽 Great for leftovers or feeding a crowd
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or sausage) with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. - Layer the Ingredients
Lightly grease the slow cooker. Spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the uncooked ziti, half of the meat mixture, and half of the remaining sauce. - Add Cheese Layers
Dollop half of the ricotta over the pasta layer, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. - Repeat Layers
Add remaining ziti, meat, sauce, ricotta, and cheeses. Pour water or broth evenly over the top. - Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbly. - Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- Stir gently once halfway through cooking if your slow cooker runs hot.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Want extra richness? Mix a little cream into the ricotta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this slow cooker baked ziti with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Storage & Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is everything you love about a classic Italian comfort dish—easy, cheesy, and made right in the crockpot. It’s a dependable, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ll come back to again and again.