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 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1½ 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 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable)
- 375 gram box Penne or Ziti or other short pasta (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic, salt, basil and parsley 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, tomatoes, pasta sauce and broth 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
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lorry says
sounds delish. what would a serving size be? i will definitely be trying this
Ashley Fehr says
One serving is 1/8 of the recipe.
Laura Amelotte says
I didnt add in the noodles until the end, I was afraid they get mushy. I did think it was to liquidly so I added some cream cheese, alittle tomato paste, once it was blended in I added cooked noodles and then the cheese.
Ashley Fehr says
It will definitely be too liquidy without the pasta since the pasta absorbs the excess liquid as it cooks.
ravenminor62@icloud.com says
I have 2 questions .1 can I cook the noodles and the sauce in the slow cooker at the beginning at the same time ? And do I need to boil the pasta first before adding to the slow cooker ?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi! You would need to cook the recipe as written. For your second question, no need to boil the pasta first. I would always state that in the recipe directions if needed. Hope this helps!
Debbie says
I have made this a couple of times both time totally following recipe and my family loves it. I love the fact I can start in the morning when I have more energy and it it only takes a few minutes later to finish. Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Debbie!
Chrish Joy says
I doubt anyone will see this in the next 1/2 hour lol…but it seems like so much liquid. 2.5 cups plus tomato juices plus big jar of sauce. I had planned to wing a similar recipe but with just a jar of sauce and a cup of water…but I’m assuming since there’s no mention in comments that it’s perfect. 🤷🏼♀️ Sounds delicious.
Ashley Fehr says
The reason for the extra liquid is because the pasta goes in dry 🙂
Maureen says
Excited to try this! Okay if I use 28 oz of crushed tomatoes instead of diced? It’s what I have on hand!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Maureen! I haven’t tested this out with crushed tomatoes, but it should work. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Savannah says
Have you ever tried putting ricotta cheese in this after it’s done? I kind of want to try it!
Ashley Fehr says
I haven’t but I think it would be great!
Jamie says
My kids ask for this almost every week since I cooked it a month ago! It’s so delish and easy. It competes with one of your beef and noodles recipes on here. Your meals have saved me and I’m sure my kids are happy we’ve gotten out of our same old boring dinner rotation.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jamie!
Holly says
Do you drain the diced tomatoes?
Ashley Fehr says
Nope
Em says
I would like to halve this, do you think I need to make any adjustments on the times?
Ashley Fehr says
The cook time should be the same.
Caitlin says
Can we use Italian diced tomatoes?
Ashley Fehr says
Absolutely 🙂
bethycunningham@gmail.com says
Looking forward to trying this recipe – can I just ask is chicken broth the same as chicken stock – I.e a stock cube or stock pot ?
Ashley Fehr says
Either will work fine!
Anna says
I’m trying this tonight! Do you think I could add the pasta on low for an hour at the end rather than high for a shorter time? My daughter has a late sports game, and I’m hoping I can add the pasta before we leave so we can come home and just have this ready rather than waiting for the pasta to cook.
Thanks for sharing!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Anna! I haven’t tried leaving the pasta unattended, as the exact cook time can depend on how hot your slow cooker cooks. If you are particular about having al dente pasta, then I would not leave it that long. But if you’re okay with softer pasta, then it may be fine.
Marjorie says
Question: If I am using Italian sausage, do I still add onion? Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
I would! It will just add more flavor 🙂
Priscilla says
Which kind of cream should I use? Whipping cream, cream cheese, or what? Thank you
Ashley Fehr says
Any you like 🙂
Rachel says
I do not see cream in the recipe anywhere. Am I missing something?
Ashley Fehr says
Nope, there is no cream in the recipe. You can add some, if you like
Brent says
Add when before or after? Or when you add the water etc…?
Betsy says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! So easy and tasty. It was a huge hit. Am going to try two more of your recipes this week.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Betsy!
Samantha Benoit says
Hi Ashley,
How do I prep the sausage before adding it into the crockpot?
Ashley Fehr says
Any meat that you want to add in would be cooked before adding to the slow cooker
Amber says
So what exactly are we coming for 6 hours if everything is precooked before we’re out it in there?
Ashley Fehr says
Not everything is cooked. The ground beef is cooked. You are welcome to just stir some dry pasta into your raw vegetables with your cooked ground beef and see how delicious that is.
Sarah S says
Delicious! I used chicken broth and mild Italian sausage. The Ziti noodles took maybe 25 minutes in my crockpot with no precooking and were even softer when I ate it 45 minutes later. Flavor amd aroma was great!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sarah! I’m glad you liked it!
Jennifer says
My crockpot down have 3 hr high or 6 hr low, what do you suggest I use??? It has 4 and 6 for high and 8 and 10 for low. Thank you
Ashley Fehr says
6 hours on low will be fine because the ground beef is already cooked!
Angela says
Tasty, but pasta never cooked, even after an hour, I had to finish it on the stove. I even tried adding more water. I see the recipe has not been corrected since I saved it.
August says
You need a new slow cooker. Been using this recipe for over a year, no problem.
Ashley Fehr says
I’m glad you like it!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Angela! The recipe does not need to be corrected, since it works just fine 🙂
Cosette says
I always half cook my pasta before adding it in. It says on my instructions for my crockpot to do so.
Ashley Fehr says
That is not necessary with this recipe. If you do and proceed with the recipe you will need to adjust the cook time of the pasta in the recipe.
mike11873@gmail.com says
Hello Ashley,
I work at a roller skating rink and usually put something in the crock for the employee’s when we are working all day. Customers were making comments about the smell from my crock. Shared your site with them. Employee’s LOVED this recipe. Next time I’m gonna make it with the substitutions Julie used. Thank You from all of the employee’s of Roller Fox Skating Center.
Should I add the cream when I add the noodles or in the beginning with the chicken broth ?
Thanks
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Julie says
Soooo yummy! I substituted 1/2 cup of cream and added 2 cups chicken broth, no basil but added Italian seasoning. I did half pound of beef and half pound of Italian sausage. Thank you!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Julie!
Robin says
This is fantastic! I would like to try it with cream next time. Do I add it with the chicken broth, or at the very end right before topping with cheese? Thank you!!
Ashley Fehr says
I think either would work, but I usually try to add dairy close to the end if I can. I’m so glad you liked it!
Robin says
Thanks! I usually add cream at the end too, so I will do that!
Sol says
Really great recipe browning and all.thank you
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sol!
Debbie says
Delicious, thanks!!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Debbie!
Rebecca says
I’m so upset. I was looking for a CROCK POT recipe. Imagine my disappointment when the first steps are to “brown hamburger meat in a skillet” and to make matters worse this recipe is referred to as a “CROCK POT ONLY” meal. I might not be a member of Mensa (not yet anyways) but I’m pretty sure that a skillet is not a part of a crock pot.
Debbie says
This is what upsets you?? In 2020the year where EVERYTHING has gone to hell… THIS is what upsets you? Okay Karen 🤦🏻♀️😂😂😂😂 oh my. If you don’t have time or desire to brown ground beef, find another recipe. Many crock pot recipes require browning or cooking something separate then adding it. If you are industrious ( sometimes I am, sometimes I’m not) you can brown a large amount of ground beef and freeze in one pound freezer bags, so when you find a recipe and are horrified you can go ‘oh, that’s right, I have some already in the freezer I can use’
Dean says
Get a ninja crockpot Karen. Stovetop setting to brown the hamburg so your day isn’t ruined!
Angel says
I feel your pain. I wanted to just dump everything in a crockpot and go too 🙁
Ashley Fehr says
I mean… you are welcome to try just throwing everything in and see how it comes out? You’re obviously having a rough day. Remember that the people who publish free recipe web sites are still people.
Mary M. says
I actually don’t brown my ground beef a lot of the time when using a slow cooker. If you have a lower grade of beef, it’s better to brown and drain but with ground chuck or higher it’s really not necessary. Just crumble the beef and continue on with your recipe. This is especially good with soups and chili’s as the beef soaks up the liquids. I hope this helps the issues. Enjoy.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks for the tip Mary!
Chrish Joy says
Thx for the free recipe! An idea for you: If you wanted to keep the first line about how it’s made “completely in the crockpot” you could just change the first ingredient to “browned ground beef”…people often brown it in batches and have some in the freezer. Then your description would be perfectly accurate. 😊
Sarah says
I would highly recommend finding a crockpot that has a “sauté” option, or one that has stove safe bottom. Most crockpot recipes that include meat are better with an initial browning. I just put this together in one crockpot, since mine had a sauté option on my Instapot branded one, and it was super easy.
Ashley Fehr says
I love that option!