Slow Cooker Baked Ziti 🍝🧀
Well, howdy folks! If you love comfort food that’s easy, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is about to be your new favorite recipe!
This dish delivers everything you love about classic baked ziti—rich, meaty sauce, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese—but with zero fuss. Just brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-pot magic – No need for extra pots and pans!
✔️ Hands-off cooking – Set it and forget it while flavors build.
✔️ Family-friendly – A crowd-pleaser everyone will love.
✔️ Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/Italian sausage)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (26 oz) jar pasta sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz penne or ziti pasta (about 3 cups dry)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
1️⃣ Brown the Meat
🍳 In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned (about 5 minutes).
🧄 Stir in garlic, salt, basil, and parsley; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2️⃣ Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
🫕 Transfer the meat mixture to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.
🍅 Add diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
3️⃣ Slow Cook to Perfection
⏳ Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours to let the flavors develop.
4️⃣ Add the Pasta
🍝 Increase heat to HIGH. Stir in dry pasta, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce.
⏲️ Cover and cook for 15 minutes, then check for tenderness. If needed, cook up to 30 minutes total.
5️⃣ Melt the Cheese & Serve
🧀 Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes until melty and gooey.
🍽️ Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ziti
✔️ No need to pre-cook the pasta – It softens beautifully in the sauce.
✔️ Use low-sodium broth – Keeps the dish from being too salty.
✔️ Want extra creaminess? Stir in a scoop of ricotta or cream cheese before serving.
✔️ Love a crispy top? Transfer to a baking dish, broil for 3-5 minutes to get that golden-brown cheese crust!
Make It Your Own
Topping Ideas 🧄🌿
✔️ Fresh basil or parsley
✔️ A sprinkle of Parmesan
✔️ Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
✔️ Garlic bread on the side
Flavor Variations 🎭
🔥 Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage & add crushed red pepper.
🍄 Veggie Lover’s – Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
🥓 Meat Lover’s – Mix in crumbled bacon or extra sausage.
Storage & Reheating
🧊 Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat: Add a splash of broth before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop.
❄️ Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Can I use uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?
Yes! The pasta absorbs flavor while cooking, making it extra delicious.
🔹 What’s the best meat for this recipe?
Ground beef gives a classic flavor, but Italian sausage adds a nice kick!
🔹 Can I make this without meat?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian twist.
Give This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti a Try!
This set-it-and-forget-it pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping. Let me know if you try it—drop a comment with your favorite slow cooker pasta dishes! 🍝✨