Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that delivers big on flavor without demanding your full attention. Whether you’re tackling a hectic weekday or just want a no-fuss dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this dish has your back. Imagine perfectly tender pasta nestled in rich tomato sauce, layered with gooey, melted cheese and savory meat—slow-cooked to perfection. It’s hearty, satisfying, and made to please a crowd. This baked ziti recipe turns your slow cooker into an Italian grandmother’s oven—minus the work and cleanup. Let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker—no need to boil pasta ahead.
- Cheesy goodness: Loaded with mozzarella for that melty, stretchy finish.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this saucy, cheesy pasta.
- Customizable: Swap beef for turkey or sausage, use your favorite pasta shapes.
- Great leftovers: Tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and freeze portions for later.
🧂 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious.
- 1 lb ground beef (or substitute with Italian sausage or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 jar (about 2½ cups / 650 ml) pasta sauce (marinara, tomato basil, etc.)
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or use beef/vegetable broth)
- 4 cups short pasta (ziti or penne preferred)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend with provolone or parmesan)
- Optional: Olive oil (especially if using lean meats like turkey)
- Optional: Non-stick cooking spray for the slow cooker
👨🍳 Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a rich, cheesy, and foolproof Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. You’ll be surprised how effortless it is!
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and onions are soft.
- Stir in garlic, salt, basil, and parsley. Sauté for 1 more minute to bring out the flavors.
- (Shortcut option: skip the skillet and add raw onion, garlic, and spices directly to the slow cooker with other ingredients.)
2. Load the Slow Cooker
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Add the beef mixture (or raw aromatics, if skipping the skillet), canned tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth.
- Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Start Cooking
- Set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavor.
4. Add the Pasta
- After the initial cook time, turn the slow cooker to high.
- Stir in the dry pasta evenly into the sauce.
- Cover and cook for 15–30 minutes, checking for tenderness at the 15-minute mark. Stir gently halfway through to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with Cheese
- Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle mozzarella (or your cheese mix) over the top.
- Cover again and cook for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve hot and enjoy your gooey, satisfying baked ziti!
⏱️ Recipe Details & Nutrition Facts
🕒 Prep Time
- 15–20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time
- 3 hours on High
- 6 hours on Low
- 15–30 minutes for pasta
- 5 minutes to melt cheese
🍽️ Total Time
- Approx. 3.5 to 6.5 hours
👨👩👧👦 Servings
- Makes 6–8 servings, depending on portion size
🍽️ Nutrition Facts
Based on 8 servings and standard ingredients.
- Calories: ~280–310
- Protein: ~17–20g
- Fat: ~14–17g
- Carbohydrates: ~25–28g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~600–750mg
- Note: Nutrition will vary depending on ingredient brands, cheese type, and substitutions.
💡 Tips & Variations
Here are some pro-level tips and delicious variations to help you customize your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti:
🔄 Ingredient Swaps
- Meat: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, spicy or mild Italian sausage, or plant-based crumbles.
- Cheese: Try a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for more depth. Dairy-free cheese alternatives work too (just note they may melt differently).
- Broth: Use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth—or even water with bouillon cubes.
🍝 Pasta Tips
- Stick to sturdy shapes like ziti, penne, or rigatoni.
- Avoid small or delicate pastas like orzo or angel hair—they’ll turn mushy.
🧼 Cooking Tips
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Stir gently halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent pasta from clumping.
- Don’t overcook! Pasta can go from perfect to mushy quickly—start checking at 15 minutes after adding it.
🧀 Cheese Timing
- Always add cheese during the final 3–5 minutes to avoid it becoming rubbery.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Equipment
- – Slow cooker (4 qt or larger)
- – Skillet (optional)
- – Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage/turkey
- – 1 medium onion finely chopped
- – 1 tsp minced garlic
- – 1½ tsp salt
- – 1 tsp dried basil
- – 1 tsp dried parsley
- – 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes
- – 1 jar 650 ml or ~2½ cups pasta sauce
- – 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef/vegetable broth
- – 4 cups dry short pasta ziti or penne
- – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- – Optional: olive oil if using lean meat
- – Optional: non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, basil, and parsley. Sauté 1 more minute.
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add beef mixture, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook on **Low for 6 hours** or **High for 3 hours**.
- Turn to **High**, stir in dry pasta, cover and cook for **15–30 minutes**, stirring halfway.
- Sprinkle cheese over top. Cover and cook **3–5 minutes** until melted. Serve hot.
Notes
– To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
– Reheat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
❓ FAQs
Can I use uncooked pasta in this recipe?
Yes! That’s the beauty of this dish. The pasta cooks right in the sauce—no need to boil it first. Just be sure to use sturdy pasta like ziti or penne and check it early to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just skip the meat or use a plant-based ground alternative. You can also load it up with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
What’s the best cheese for baked ziti?
Mozzarella is classic for that gooey melt, but adding provolone or parmesan gives it a flavor boost. For a golden top, sprinkle a little shredded cheddar or Italian blend at the end.
Can I freeze slow cooker baked ziti?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave with a splash of broth or water, or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw before reheating.
Can I cook this overnight?
Not recommended. Since pasta is added partway through, it’s best to cook it when you’re around to check and stir.
🍽️ Conclusion
If you’re craving comfort food that practically makes itself, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti checks every box. It’s hearty, easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for leftovers, this recipe is a time-saving winner. Make it once, and it just might become a weekly staple in your slow cooker lineup.