Crockpot Baked Ziti

Crockpot Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American dish made easy with a slow cooker. This recipe layers tender ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground meat or sausage, and a blend of creamy cheeses, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a warm, cheesy, and perfectly baked ziti without needing to heat up your oven.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or potluck gatherings. Its hands-off cooking makes it ideal for those who want a homemade Italian dinner without the fuss. Every bite is cheesy, savory, and comforting, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a hands-off, stress-free way to make a classic comfort food that everyone adores. The crockpot ensures that the pasta cooks perfectly while soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce and cheese. It’s perfect for busy evenings, holidays, or gatherings, and the leftovers are just as delicious.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Cheesy, hearty, and comforting—perfect for family meals
• Easy to assemble and cook with minimal effort
• Can be prepared ahead of time for busy schedules
• Great for potlucks and parties
• Versatile with meat, vegetables, or vegetarian options

Time, Servings and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3–4 hours on high or 5–6 hours on low
• Total Time: 3–4 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Approximate Calories:

• 450–500 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian / American

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta (uncooked)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Meat (Optional):

• 1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey, cooked and drained

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Cook ground meat (if using) in a skillet until browned, drain excess fat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked meat, uncooked ziti, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until combined.
3. Transfer mixture to a greased crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours, stirring halfway through if possible.
5. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone (if using) on top during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking to melt.
6. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, sausage, or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix uncooked ziti, cooked meat, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grease Crockpot: Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. Add Mixture to Crockpot: Transfer pasta mixture to the crockpot and spread evenly.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Stir halfway through if possible to prevent sticking.
6. Add Cheese Topping: During the last 15–20 minutes, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone over the top and let melt.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.

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How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Crockpot Baked Ziti hot, straight from the slow cooker. Pair with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. This dish is hearty enough to be a main course and can be plated individually or served family-style from the crockpot.

Recipe Tips

• Use uncooked pasta; the slow cooker will perfectly cook it during the long cooking time.
• Stir halfway through cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
• Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
• Leftovers taste even better the next day after flavors meld.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Skip the meat and add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
2. Spicy Baked Ziti: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
3. Three-Cheese Ziti: Mix mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for extra cheesy indulgence.
4. Creamy Baked Ziti: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer texture.
5. Seafood Baked Ziti: Substitute cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze in portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 15–20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Skillet for cooking meat
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Conclusion

Crockpot Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and effortless meal that’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. With tender pasta, rich marinara, savory meat, and melty cheeses, it brings all the flavors of traditional baked ziti to your slow cooker with minimal effort. This versatile recipe is easy to customize, reheats beautifully, and is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a must-try for anyone seeking a cozy, crowd-pleasing Italian-American favorite.

Crockpot Baked Ziti

Crockpot Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American dish made easy with a slow cooker. This recipe layers tender ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce, seasoned ground meat or sausage, and a blend of creamy cheeses, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: Italian Course: Dinner

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Total Time 4 hrs 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8

Ingredients

Servings

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked) (450 g)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (optional) (14.5 oz)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Meat (Optional):

• 1 pound ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey, cooked and drained

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, sausage, or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix uncooked ziti, cooked meat, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Grease Crockpot: Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
4. Add Mixture to Crockpot: Transfer pasta mixture to the crockpot and spread evenly.
5. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Stir halfway through if possible to prevent sticking.
6. Add Cheese Topping: During the last 15–20 minutes, sprinkle remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone over the top and let melt.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.

Keywords: Crockpot Baked Ziti