If there’s one meal that makes everyone happy and fills the house with the most comforting aromas, it’s baked ziti. But sometimes, I just don’t have the time to fuss with boiling pasta and baking in the oven. That’s where this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti comes in. It’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying — all with minimal prep and zero oven time.
I love how everything comes together in one pot while I go about my day. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, the cheese melts perfectly, and the flavors blend into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution or a great recipe to serve at gatherings when you need something easy, comforting, and filling.
Here’s how I make this slow cooker pasta classic that’s become a go-to in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- No need to pre-cook the pasta — it all cooks in the slow cooker
- Minimal prep with simple pantry staples
- Cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor
- Feeds a crowd with ease
- Perfect for busy nights or easy entertaining
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 box (16 oz) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How I Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
1. Brown the Meat
I start by browning the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. I season with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then drain any excess fat.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker
In my slow cooker, I combine the browned meat with marinara sauce, water or broth, Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper if needed. I give everything a good stir.
3. Add the Pasta
I stir in the uncooked ziti or penne pasta, making sure it’s well coated with sauce.
4. Layer the Cheeses
I dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta and top everything with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Slow Cook
I cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melty and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, I sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. I scoop it out and serve it warm, usually with a big piece of garlic bread on the side.
My Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook — once the pasta is tender, turn the slow cooker to warm so it doesn’t get mushy.
- Use beef broth instead of water for extra richness.
- Add cooked vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and texture.
- Swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken if you want to lighten it up.
- Double the mozzarella if you love super cheesy pasta (I always do!).
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
- Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use uncooked pasta right in the slow cooker?
A: Yes! The pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce and broth.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Definitely. Just skip the meat or use a plant-based alternative, and add extra veggies if you like.
Q: Can I prep it ahead of time?
A: You can brown the meat and mix the sauce ingredients ahead of time. Add the pasta and cheeses right before cooking.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
The Easiest Way to Get Baked Ziti on the Table
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is one of those dishes that feels like pure comfort in every bite. It’s saucy, cheesy, hearty, and so easy to make. I love that I can toss everything in the slow cooker and come back to a bubbling dish of pasta perfection.
If you make it, let me know your favorite way to enjoy it! Add extra cheese, spicy sausage, or your favorite veggies, and make this cozy classic your own.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti: A Cheesy, Hands-Off Comfort Meal
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, combine the ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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