Name: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked); 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional); 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that simmers in your crockpot to create a rich, cheesy, and flavorful pasta. With a perfect combination of marinara sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, and ziti, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

For an even creamier dish, you can add a layer of extra ricotta or cream cheese.
Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even mixing of cheese and sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid it becoming mushy. Ensure there’s enough sauce to cover it while cooking.
If you want a crispy top, broil the ziti for a few minutes before serving after it’s done in the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti combines convenience and flavor, making it an ideal meal for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort. You simply throw everything into your slow cooker, and it does the work for you! The pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors of the marinara sauce, while the gooey melted cheese gives it that comfort food feel. It’s great for meal prepping too—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week!

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

A creamy, cheesy, and hearty slow cooker baked ziti that’s perfect for busy days and family dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by cooking the ground beef or sausage in a pan over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside. If you're using vegetables, sauté them now.
Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add a layer of uncooked ziti. Spoon half of the ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the cooked meat (if using), a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a little Parmesan. Repeat with another layer of pasta, sauce, ricotta, meat, and cheeses.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The pasta should be tender, and the cheese should be fully melted.
Optional Crispy Top: For a golden, crispy top, switch the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting and transfer the dish to the oven under a broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Ensure there’s enough sauce to cover the pasta, or it may dry out while cooking. You can add extra sauce during the cooking time if needed.
To prevent overcooking the pasta, check it a little before the time is up and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 326Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 70mgSodium 750mgCarbohydrates 15gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 24g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Ziti Pasta: The key ingredient for baked ziti. It’s the perfect size for holding the sauce and cheese. You can use penne if ziti isn’t available.
Marinara Sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce with herbs. You can use store-bought or homemade. The flavor of the sauce will blend perfectly as it simmers.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly tangy texture. If you prefer, you can substitute cottage cheese, though it will alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella gives the dish its gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor to complement the other ingredients.
Ground Beef or Sausage: Adding meat is optional, but it provides an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to omit it for a vegetarian option or substitute with a plant-based protein.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or Italian sausage to give the dish a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the ricotta with a plant-based option like cashew cream or tofu.
Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat ziti or another whole-grain pasta to add fiber and nutrients.
Gluten-Free: Swap the regular ziti with gluten-free pasta to cater to those with gluten sensitivities.

Storage Options:

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra sauce if needed.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! After it’s cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes after thawing.