Name: Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ cup onion, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (2 cloves); 1 teaspoon basil; 1 teaspoon oregano; 48 ounces pasta sauce, or make your own!; 16 ounces baked ziti, uncooked; 1 cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 2 cups mozzarella, shredded (divided); Chopped fresh parsley

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 26 reviews

If you’ve ever craved the comforting goodness of classic baked ziti but just couldn’t face the dishes or prep time that comes with traditional oven baking, then this Crockpot Baked Ziti is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish delivers all the savory layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and ooey gooey cheese, with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The magic happens right in your slow cooker, where pasta soaks up the sauce, cheese melts to perfection, and every bite feels like a hug from your favorite Italian restaurant. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just hungry for leftovers, Crockpot Baked Ziti is equal parts hearty, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen for maximum flavor, the perfect texture, and that gorgeous color we all crave in our comfort food. Simple yet thoughtfully combined, these staples transform into something extraordinary when they come together in your slow cooker.

Lean ground beef: Gives the sauce its satisfying heartiness without making it too greasy.
Onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
Garlic, minced: Delivers essential aromatic notes that make the whole kitchen smell like heaven.
Basil: Lends a fresh, herby lift that brightens the overall dish.
Oregano: Classic Italian seasoning that gives the sauce that familiar, comforting flavor.
Pasta sauce (48 oz): Signature tomato richness—use a good quality jar or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!
Uncooked ziti pasta (16 oz): No-boil needed; it cooks to the perfect tenderness right in the crockpot.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, this creates those classic little pockets of cheesy magic.
Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and totally essential for that savory kick.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, divided): For luscious melt and irresistible gooeyness on every layer.
Chopped fresh parsley: A final sprinkle of green for color and a fresh pop right before serving.

How to Make Crockpot Baked Ziti

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef Mixture

Start by browning your lean ground beef in a skillet with the diced onions over medium heat. This step builds a rich, flavorful base for the sauce. Once the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent, drain any excess fat—this keeps your Crockpot Baked Ziti from getting greasy. Stir in minced garlic, basil, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for just a minute until fragrant. The kitchen will already start to smell amazing!

Step 2: Mix in the Sauce

Pour in one full jar of your favorite pasta sauce into the skillet and stir it into the meat mixture. Warming the sauce now lets all those flavors meld together, making your finished dish even more delicious, and ensures the meat is nice and saucy before hitting the slow cooker.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now the fun part—layering! Start by pouring half of the second jar of pasta sauce straight into the bottom of your crockpot. This keeps the noodles from sticking and gives them flavor from the get-go. Next, scatter in half of your uncooked ziti pasta (no need to pre-boil), then spoon on half of the meat mixture. Dollop ricotta, sprinkle half of the parmesan, and shower on 1 cup of mozzarella for that classic cheesy stretch. Repeat with the remaining sauce, pasta, and meat mixture for perfectly balanced layers.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop on the lid and cook your Crockpot Baked Ziti on low for about six hours. This gentle cooking lets the pasta soak up all those rich flavors while the cheese melts into gooey happiness. If you’re pressed for time, you can cook it on high for about three hours, but low and slow gives you the best texture, so plan ahead if you can.

Step 5: The Gooey Finish

About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, lift the lid and sprinkle the last cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Pop the lid back on and let it melt into a swoon-worthy cheesy blanket. This final step makes the whole pot extra irresistible—don’t skip it!

How to Serve Crockpot Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Grab a handful of chopped fresh parsley and scatter it over the hot, bubbling Crockpot Baked Ziti right before serving. A bit of extra parmesan never hurts, either! The parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese, while the parmesan brings another little burst of umami and salt.

Side Dishes

This dish is so hearty that it almost doesn’t need anything alongside it, but I love serving Crockpot Baked Ziti with a big, crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a rustic Italian loaf turns it into a feast, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini make a wonderful, colorful addition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual weekend dinner, bring the crockpot right to the table and let everyone help themselves, family-style. Or, for a dinner party, spoon the ziti into individual ramekins and sprinkle with extra cheese, then slide them under the broiler for a bubbly golden top. If you’re packing lunch, this is unbeatable in a thermos—it stays warm and satisfying until you’re ready for a cozy midday pick-me-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Crockpot Baked Ziti cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to four days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. The flavors honestly get deeper and even more delicious as it sits.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. Perfect for meal prep or for those times when you just need a comforting dinner in a flash.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave until hot, stirring halfway through so it heats evenly. For larger amounts, pop it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly. Add a splash of pasta sauce if it seems a bit dry—extra cheese on top doesn’t hurt either!

FAQs

Can I substitute the beef with another protein?

Absolutely! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian twist, try crumbled tofu or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative.

Do I have to cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?

No need! The beauty of Crockpot Baked Ziti is that the uncooked pasta goes straight into the slow cooker. It absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks, coming out tender every time.

What type of pasta sauce works best?

A good quality jarred marinara or traditional spaghetti sauce works perfectly. If you want to make your own sauce, use a classic tomato base with garlic, onion, and Italian herbs. The key is to choose one you love, since it’s the backbone of the whole dish!

Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?

If your crockpot is large enough (at least 8 quarts), you can double everything and layer as usual. Just keep an eye on cooking time—more volume may need a little longer, so check the pasta for doneness before serving.

Does Crockpot Baked Ziti get mushy?

Not if you follow the recipe and don’t overcook! Six hours on low is perfect for tender pasta with a little bite. It’s best to avoid thin, delicate pastas; stick with sturdy ziti or penne, and your Crockpot Baked Ziti will be deliciously perfect.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try Crockpot Baked Ziti in your own kitchen. It’s comfort food in its coziest, easiest form, just waiting to become a family favorite at your table. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a meal that’s as stress-free as it is delicious!