This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is made completely in the crockpot — even the pasta! It is so much easier than the traditional version but packs all of the same flavor! Includes step by step recipe video.
Love your slow cooker as much as we do? Check out my 15 Best Crockpot Recipes, these Easy Crockpot Meals or these quick-to-prep Dump ‘n’ Go Slow Cooker Meals!
Table of Contents
I know.
I’m not even 50 words in and I’ve cheated already.
This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is obviously NOT baked. Though I suppose if you were really set on it you could stir in an egg and some ricotta (although Serious Eats isn’t upset my recipe’s lack of it), spread it into a baking dish and bake it.
I, however, am not.
Because this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is all about finding easy, crockpot meals that my family loves, don’t use a whole pile of dishes and are relatively healthy and hearty.
And the best part about slow cooker dinners?
That moment, often around 5:00, when you would normally be all like, “Riiiiiiiight…… dinner…..”, but instead you’ve got things totally under control.
How much do you feel like a rockstar in that moment?
Tips for cooking Crock Pot Pasta:
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know that figuring out how to cook pasta in the slow cooker was pretty life changing for me.
Take this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Mac for instance, or this Slow Cooker Healthier Hamburger Helper. We can’t get enough!
But there are a few tricks to getting it just right!
- Small pasta is best, but long is doable. Short pasta like macaroni, penne, rotini, and others work best in this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti because they’re less likely to clump and stick together. Long pasta cuts like spaghetti and fettucini are doable, but you may have to stir a couple more times in between.
- Turn your slow cooker to high when you add your pasta. It’s going to take longer to cook than if you were boiling it, but we don’t want it to take forever, so crank it up and let it go for 15 minutes or so, until it reaches your desired tenderness.
- Spread your pasta down into the sauce — try to make sure you don’t have too many sticking out or they may be dry.
- Don’t overcook — cooking pasta in the slow cooker takes longer than in boiling water, but it’s not going to take more than 20-25 minutes, so check at the 15 minute mark, and then try to gauge how much longer it needs at that point.
Variations on this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti:
I have one other confession: my Ziti is not Ziti. It’s Penne.
But you know what?
Ziti is not that easy to find around here, and since my “Baked” Ziti isn’t all that traditional in the first place, why cause a big fuss about it? (If you’re looking for another untraditional “Baked Ziti” recipe that doesn’t cook all day, try this One Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage!)
If you insist, you can easily swap the penne for ziti noodles, and nothing will change.
Here are a few more ways to mix things up if you want:
- Try swapping ground beef for loose Italian sausage for a slightly spicy, extra flavorful kick.
- Try swapping ½ cup of the broth for ½ cup of cream for a creamy, tomato-based pasta
- You can easily swap the penne or ziti noodles for spaghetti and end up with spaghetti and meat sauce — just cut down the cook time on the noodles and stir every 5 minutes until cooked.
- You can easily bump up the veggie content by adding shredded carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, finely chopped kale or spinach — and no one will know!
More Crock Pot Pasta recipes:
- Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe
- Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Recipe
- Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe + VIDEO
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 650 ml jar pasta sauce about 2 ½ cups
- 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 375 gram box Penne or Ziti or other short pasta (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. (OPTIONAL: you can also add the raw onion and spices right into the slow cooker to save on time)
- Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Turn slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 15 minute mark.
- Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebel
Brittany says
Do I cook the pasta before adding it ?
Ashley Fehr says
Nope, add it uncooked!
Luke says
So I got ready to put the pasta in only to lift the lid and realize I had a pot of saucy broth…lol. I should add that I doubled the recipe but I doubled everything. I was excited about this but it seems I’m the only person with this catastrophic ending. Where do you think I went wrong?
Ashley Fehr says
Well when you put the pasta in you should have a saucy broth! The pasta will absorb a significant amount of liquid. Did you end up trying it? How was it?
Laura says
I’m doubling this should I really use 5 cups of water? I’m worried it won’t all fit!
Ashley Fehr says
I have never doubled it in a 6 quart slow cooker — it might not all fit. You need all of the water for the pasta to cook, so you really can’t do without. Let me know how it works!
Hilda says
How did this turn out? I want to double recipe as well.
Amanda says
Just wondering if you put the pasta in at the start or just in the last 1/2hr into the slow cooker.
Ashley Fehr says
Just in the last half hour — otherwise it will overcook!
Sarah says
Hi, do I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them to the crockpot? Thank you
Ashley Fehr says
No, just throw them in!
Debbie Dzurilla says
The crockpot baked ziti is awesome! The first time to make something like that in the crockpot. Oh my so tasty! My ground chuck is always precooked and frozen so this recipe was super fast and easy. We had salad and garlic bread with it. Just a great meal. We’ll enjoy the leftovers on another day! I LOVE crockpot cooking!
Ashley Fehr says
I am SO happy to hear that Debbie! I just love my slow cooker too — it makes dinner time so much easier!
Cathy J. says
Just finished up the slow cooker ziti. Finished it before dinner time, so I haven’t tried it yet. Leaving the crock on warm, hoping the pasta doesn’t over cook. I’ll come back with my review after dinner-keeping my fingers crossed for a good outcome!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Cathy! How did it turn out for you??
Alyssa says
I am wondering if I could make this with chicken? Could I throw a couple breasts in the crockpot with everything else and let it all cook together?
Ashley Fehr says
I think you definitely could!
Colleen says
Going to make this with chicken breasts instead. Should I slice up the breasts before cooking them in the pot? Should I cook them a little on stove first? Sounds so good! Think I will use chicken broth due to making it with chicken.
Ashley Fehr says
It’s probably not necessary — you could cook the breasts whole in the sauce and then shred before adding the pasta.
Reader says
This recipe refers to a 28oz can of tomatoes in the ingredients but doesn’t use them in the directions.
Kimberly says
I’m wondering the same thing too
Reader says
I left the can of tomatoes out and there was enough liquid for the pasta.
Jason Anderson says
“Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir” Tomatoes?
Ashley Fehr says
Sorry! I’ve fixed it now
Linda says
In the 2nd step it says to add the tomatoes.
Pamela says
I just need to know is the pasta cooked before mixing into the sauce . I would like to make it as the recipe states. Thank-you
Ashley Fehr says
No, it goes in uncooked! Check it after 20-30 minutes and it should be just perfect 🙂
Pamela says
Thank-you
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
What’s the deal with ziti not being easily available? We had ziti all the time where I grew up, but I have a tough time finding it now that I’ve moved. Slow Cooker Baked Penne 😉 might be happening here very soon – LOVE!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
The slow cooker is a life saver for me during the busy Autumn season and this recipe looks like a huge bowl of comfort. Can’t wait to try it.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Ashley, I am so going to try this! I’ve pulled out my slow cooker and now I’m ready to go! Looks so good!!
Ashley Fehr says
I saw your mac and cheese on IG! I want to try it once it’s posted!
Olviia - Primavera Kitchen says
Ashley, this baked ziti looks very comforting, filling, flavourful and perfect for sharing with guests. And like Gayle said I love how easy this is to make!!!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my gosh, ziti in the crockpot??! I’m pretty sure you just became my dinner hero, Ashley. My family loooooves ziti but I don’t love all the time it takes to make it, so you can bet I’ll be pulling out this recipe the next time it’s ziti night!!
Ashley Fehr says
I had to do it! I will admit, I tried a few other ziti hacks that were disastrous, so I’m SO happy this turned out! Thanks Sarah!
IGU Meerpur says
Mmm….so good….I love pasta ! ?
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks! Me too!
Medha says
This baked ziti looks delicious! Baked ziti is a nostalgic dish for me, because my mom and I would always make it together with the recipe on the back of the pasta box 🙂
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I think I need to hop on the slow cooker pasta train! This looks delicious!
Ashley Fehr says
You do! It’s life changing!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Okay I need to make this like, yesterday because I LOVE baked ziti and haven’t had it in sooo long and yours looks soooo good. And it’s made in the slow cooker! Such a dinner win, Ashley!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Rachel!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
I love making pasta dishes in a slow cooker! I wish I had this baked ziti waiting in the slow cooker for me tonight!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! This is definitely comfort food! I have all of the ingredients on hand, so no need to go to the store!
Ashley Fehr says
We are all about comfort food here these days, Dorothy! It is COLD here!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Mmm baked ziti is one of the best comfort foods, and you just took it to a whole new level with making it in the slow cooker! Such a brilliant idea, Ashley! And I love how easy this is to make, too. Just what I need on this Monday morning!