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! The recipe includes a step-by-step 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
- Why we love this Crock Pot Baked Ziti:
- Easy Baked Ziti Ingredients:
- How to make this easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe:
- Tips for cooking Crock Pot Pasta:
- Reader Rating
- Variations on this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti:
- How to store this cheesy Baked Ziti:
- Can I freeze Crock Pot Baked Ziti?
- Serving suggestions:
- More Crock Pot Pasta recipes:
- Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect comforting dinner, made with hearty pasta smothered in rich sauce, combined with tender ground beef and gooey cheese. It’s a comforting dish that practically cooks itself!
Once you sauté the beef with onion, garlic, and seasonings, you throw everything into the crockpot (minus the cheese) and let it cook! The best part is that the pasta cooks right into the sauce, so there’s no need to whip out an extra pot.
If you’re looking for a delicious meal to make on busy weeknights, this delicious slow cooker recipe is for you!
Why we love this Crock Pot Baked Ziti:
- Family Favorite: Once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a regular in your rotation! It’s hearty, satisfying, and something everyone at the table will love.
- Best Comfort Food: With layers of pasta, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug after a long day.
- Low-Fuss: If you’re looking for an easy dinner, this recipe has you covered. Just throw everything into the slow cooker, and you can go about your day without any hassle.
Easy Baked Ziti Ingredients:
- Ground beef turkey or Italian sausage: use any fat-content ground beef you like! You can also keep things lean by using ground turkey or more decadent with Italian sausage.
- Aromatics: onion and minced garlic are sautéed with the meat and seasonings for flavor. You could swap them with onion powder and garlic powder if you don’t feel like chopping!
- Spices: I use a combination of salt, dried basil, and dried parsley, but you could also use Italian seasoning and salt instead!
- Diced tomatoes: these add a little texture.
- Pasta sauce: use your favorite type of marinara sauce.
- Chicken broth or beef or vegetable broth: this is used to cook pasta and add flavor. Use low-sodium broth to reduce the sodium content if you like.
- Short pasta (like Penne or Ziti): any type of short pasta shapes will work! For a heartier version, you could use whole wheat ziti or penne.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: You could also use parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, or any other type of Italian cheese you like!
How to make this easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe:
Once you cook the beef, this meal practically cooks itself! Scroll down to the recipe card for the full list of instructions.
- Cook the ground beef and onion until browned.
- Stir in garlic and spices, then cook briefly.
- Add meat mixture, tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Stir in the uncooked ziti. Top with cheese, cover, and cook until melted.
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 pasta 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.
- Push 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.
Reader Rating
“Phenomenal recipe! My whole family really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing 🙂” Cassidy
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 cooking 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!
How to store this cheesy Baked Ziti:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth and microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Baked Ziti?
Yes! Keep in mind that after thawing the pasta will have a softer texture.
Just pop individual servings into airtight containers and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
Serving suggestions:
I love serving this hearty meal with some garlic bread to scoop up that cheesy marinara sauce! If you want to keep things light, serve with a green salad or some roasted vegetables.
More Crock Pot Pasta recipes:
- Cheesy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti Recipe — creamy with a bit of kick!
- Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe — perfect comfort food.
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe — complements so many different meals!
- Healthier Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper Recipe — this one is always a hit with the kids!
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, (finely minced)
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 can diced tomatoes, with liquid (28oz or 798ml)
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta, (340g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef and onion until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, basil, and parsley and cook for 1 minute.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, sauce, and broth. Stir well.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Turn the slow cooker temperature to high. Add the uncooked pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15 to 30 minutes, until al dente, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark.
- Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Cover and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the mozzarella has melted.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Steeleye says
Outstanding!!!!
I did transfer this baby to a 9×13 pan to broil the cheese on top – it fit absolutely perfectly from crock pot to pan.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Mary says
Thinking about making this tonight… was wondering… I do not have a can of diced tomatoes however, i do have a few tomatoes hanging out dying to used lol.. do you think that would work out as well?
Ashley Fehr says
I think that’d work great! I would just make sure you have about the same amount and add all the juice in as well as you need the liquid to cook the pasta
Jessica says
Any modifications for gluten free pasta?
Ashley Fehr says
I haven’t tried, but I would just watch to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
Rita says
It was over 90 degrees today and extremely humid. I tried this recipe in my crock pot. I used rotini and Italian seasoning instead of basil. It was delicious. I will definitely make again.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Rita! I’m so happy to hear that!
Abby says
My family loved this recipe, and the smell while it was cooking was heavenly! So easy and fun to make, will definitely be saving the recipe to make again and again!! Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Abby!
Cristy says
turned out awesome… wasn’t sure at first because it was watery but thickened up and was a winner! thanks!!!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that!
Erin says
Hi- I am trying to recipe as we speak. When it comes time to put the pasta in, do I cook for 25 min on Low or High?
Erin says
Oops! Just saw in directions! Feel free to delete this!
Cora Ramos says
I’m wondering, i add the noodles uncooked correct? Then cook an additional 25 minutes?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, uncooked! They will cook in the slow cooker
Robbin Reinhart says
I am making this for dinner tonight, however as I do with all other tomato based pasta’s , am going to add some brown sugar, and use cheddar, and mozzarella cheese. Will let you know how it comes out.
Robbin Reinhart~
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Robbin! I’d love to hear how it goes!
Laurie says
I just made this as written…well….probably more ground beef than called for and a little extra garlic. This was really, really good. My whole family loved it! Will make again and again…better than spaghetti!! I will try with half beef and half Italian sausage next time. Oh, and by the way this is the first time I ever commented about a recipe I tried. Thank you for sharing!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Laurie! I’m so happy to hear it turned out well!
Jenn says
This was delicious! I’m a weirdo and didn’t like the texture of the noodles when cooked in the pot -so next time I will leave out the extra liquid and cook the noodles on the stove as usual. Otherwise, this was so easy and so tasty!
Ashley Fehr says
It can definitely be done either way! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Ashley says
I’ve made this several times and my family loves it!! I recently found some Romano and Ricotta pasta cheese sauce at Sams and added it this last time and my kids loved it even more! ?
Ashley Fehr says
Oh I love the sounds of that! So glad it’s a hit with the family!
Paul Baker says
I am an 84 year old single guy and I must say that this Baked Ziti recipe took me out of my comfort zone.
Why? Because I am brand new to crock pot cooking,and am usually intimidated by recipes exceeding 5 ingredients .
And what’s this…you have to brown the ground beef and onions before you put them in the crock pot?
I almost gave up as I was feeling I didn’t have what it takes to put this together.
But, somehow, I gathered all the courage I could find. I think it was about 20 per cent on my courage meter. I don’t know what happened to the other 80 percent.
And so it was as I positioned my laptop on the kitchen counter with the recipe and instructions.
I began patting myself on the back as I placed the ingredients in the crockpot.
I then checked the instructions regarding when to add the pasta when I noticed that I had not added the pasta sauce. Pasta sauce!
What is ziti without pasta sauce?
On top of thatI had family coming for dinner. What would they think?
I thought the whole thing would be a total disaster.
But wait…something wonderful happened. As we sat down at the dinner table, my daughter, her husband, and my great granddaughter, and dug into the pasta sauceless ziti I started getting……yes…I think they are called compliments. followed by requests for seconds!
Needless to say I was overjoyed!
It was delicious.
What a wonderful recipe obviously has a forgiving nature about it.
Thanks Ashley for your wonderful recipe that, despite leaving out the pasta sauce, made me look like a great chef in front of the family!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much for your kind words Paul! I’m so thrilled that everyone enjoyed it!
Carol says
Do you have a version that has a lot less sodium in it. I’m in a sodium restricted diet. I would really love to make this but the sodium is a bit high. Please let me know. Thank you. Carol
Ashley Fehr says
I believe that the nutrition calculator in the recipe card always calculates sodium high so I don’t think the number can always be trusted. I would just make sure you choose ingredients with the lowest sodium (broth, etc.) and it should be fine, but I can’t give an exact number unfortunately.
Kristen says
Could you cook on low for closer to 9-10 hours before adding the pasta?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes definitely! It won’t hurt it 🙂
Suy H says
Oh! This is good to know! After leaving in morning I don’t get home until 9 hours later. Can’t wait to try!
Ashley Fehr says
I hope you enjoy it!
Harley says
Would this recipe still come out good if I used Rotini noodles instead of ziti? The grocery store was fresh out of ziti so I grabbed what I could…trying to prevent another store run.
Ashley Fehr says
Oh for sure! They may cook slightly quicker, so just keep an eye on them 🙂
B says
Curious if it is possible to cook the ground beef and onion the night before and store in the fridge until the next morning then add to crock pot and cook?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes absolutely! That’s a great timesaver!
Shelley says
How would I add ricotta to this?
Ashley Fehr says
You could add some to the top before you add the cheese if you like!
Jess says
Made this and wow it’s so yummy!!! I did slow cook for 6, rigatoni, Rao’s vodka sauce, low sodium chicken broth and the flavor is amazing!! I also used ground turkey and it’s as delicious as beef because of all the flavor. MAN PLEASER! 5 stars
Ashley Fehr says
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that!
Lori says
I made this for my Family yesterday and it was absolutely delicious..my Mom is requesting the recipe. I was worried that noodles wouldn’t turn out by not cooking them ahead of time, but they were tender after 25mins on high.. Thanks 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Lori! I’m so happy to hear that!
Rachel says
How would you change this to a baked casserole recipe?
Ashley Fehr says
You would need to cook the pasta beforehand likely and drastically reduce the liquid. I’ve never done it though!
Hazel says
Or how would the pasta look if I was a ken to turn it off in 7 hours instead of 6?
Ashley Fehr says
The sauce would be fine! It’s just important that the pasta is not cooked more than 15-20 minutes or it will be mushy.
Alex Holz says
Do you mean like just a pan of baked ziti?
You boil the pasta. When done add 1/2 large container of ricotta, 1-2 28oz cans of tomato sauce(depending on how saucy you like it. 1 egg mixed into ricotta. Stir all in same pot used for pasta after draining. Mix in half a block of mozzarella. Pour half of pasta, ad layer of moz. Ad rest of pasta. Cover with remaining cheese. Cover with foil, cook for 45-50 minutes. Uncover and cook for 10-15 more. 1 hour in total. Mom makes it and we all love it.
Betty Bousman says
Made this yesterday and it turned out great. My fiancé absolutely loved it! I wasn’t sure if the pasta would cook enough but it was perfect. I actually had to freeze some of it since there’s only two of us. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear you liked it!
Teena says
Made this tonight!! Wow, I wasn’t sure the pasta was going to work, but let me tell you, it was perfect! I used a spicy pepper pasta sauce ( coz that’s what I had ) .. I used a tsp of mixed herbs, half tsp oregano ( coz I like it ) and half a tsp of parsley.. I used beef stock instead of chicken and replaced some stock with red wine ?, It was truly delicious!! I also added cheddar cheese to mozzarella (coz I could ? )
Ashley Fehr says
Love the addition of red wine! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!