Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers all the flavor and comfort of traditional baked ziti without needing to turn on the oven. It’s incredibly simple: just layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work. No pre-boiling the pasta, no baking required. The result is a warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish the whole family will love. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, make-ahead friendly, and easily customizable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• Ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• Marinara sauce or pasta sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Egg (optional, for ricotta mixture)
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

1. If using ground meat, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg (if using), half of the Parmesan, and a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Grease the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crock pot.
5. Add a layer of uncooked pasta, followed by a layer of meat (if using), dollops of ricotta mixture, a handful of mozzarella, and more marinara sauce.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with marinara and a generous layer of mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
8. Turn off heat and let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours on low
Total Time: About 5 hours

Variations

• Meatless: Omit the meat for a vegetarian version. Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
• Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Cheese lovers: Add layers of provolone or fontina cheese for extra richness.
• Low-fat: Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella, and lean ground turkey.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauce is gluten-free.
• White ziti: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce and use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Allow the baked ziti to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
To freeze, store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I put dry pasta directly into the crock pot?

Yes, this recipe is designed for uncooked pasta. It will cook slowly in the sauce as it simmers in the crock pot.

Do I have to cook the meat first?

Yes, ground meat should be fully cooked before layering to ensure proper texture and safety.

Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese works well and offers a lighter texture.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Don’t overcook. Stick to 4–5 hours on low, and avoid opening the lid frequently.

What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?

Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni are great substitutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 30–60 minutes of extra cooking time if starting from cold.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

Increase the amount of mozzarella or add cheese between every layer for maximum meltiness.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure your crock pot is large enough (6–8 quarts). Cooking time may increase slightly.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Absolutely. Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce.

What can I serve with crock pot baked ziti?

Pair it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Baked Ziti brings all the cozy, cheesy comfort of a classic baked pasta dish with none of the fuss. Just layer, set, and forget—no boiling or baking required. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping a dish for a casual get-together, this recipe is easy, satisfying, and sure to become a go-to favorite.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

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Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a no-fuss, slow cooker version of the classic Italian-American pasta bake. Layered with pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melted cheese, this hands-off comfort dish is perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low)
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 4 cups marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 egg (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. If using ground meat, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg (if using), half the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Grease the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick spray.
4. Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add a layer of uncooked pasta, a layer of meat (if using), dollops of ricotta mixture, a handful of mozzarella, and more marinara sauce.
6. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with marinara, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan on top.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until pasta is tender.
8. Turn off heat and let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables.
• Don’t overcook to avoid mushy pasta—check after 4 hours.
• Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
• Make ahead and refrigerate; add extra cooking time if starting cold.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg