If you’ve never tried Crockpot Baked Ziti, prepare for a true comfort food game-changer. Imagine all the cheesy goodness and savory layers of classic baked ziti, but with the weeknight magic of a hands-off slow cooker meal that perfumes your kitchen with irresistible Italian aromas. Every bite combines tender pasta, hearty meat, tangy marinara, creamy ricotta, and the best blanket of melted cheese. This recipe is a dinnertime hero for families, potlucks, or the days when you crave something homey and foolproof without hovering over a stove.

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on staple ingredients that work together for maximum flavor and heartiness. Each one brings something special to the Crockpot Baked Ziti, ensuring every bite is layered with color, richness, and that classic Italian comfort.

Ziti Pasta (1 pound, uncooked): Goes into the slow cooker dry and comes out perfectly tender, soaking up all the saucy goodness.
Ground Italian Sausage or Ground Beef (1 pound): Adds meaty depth and pairs beautifully with Italian seasonings; use your favorite to suit your crowd.
Chopped Onion (1 small): Sautéed with the meat for subtle sweetness and flavor.
Minced Garlic (3 cloves): Classic Italian aroma and flavor – don’t skip!
Marinara Sauce (24-ounce jar): The base of your sauce, providing tang, color, and herby notes.
Crushed Tomatoes (15-ounce can): Adds rustic texture and makes the sauce extra luscious.
Dried Basil (1 teaspoon): Infuses fresh herb flavor into every layer.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a hint of peppery sharpness.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out the flavors of your sauce.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and balance.
Ricotta Cheese (2 cups): Creamy dollops tucked between the layers make for dreamy texture and flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, divided): The gooey melty layer everyone craves, spread throughout and on top.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): A salty finish and extra cheesy punch on top.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled at the end for brightness and color.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking, so every cheesy bite releases cleanly from the crockpot.

How to Make Crockpot Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot and Brown the Meat

Start by giving your crockpot a good coat of nonstick cooking spray so none of that incredible cheese sticks behind. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage or beef along with the chopped onion until everything’s golden and savory. Drain off any extra fat, then toss in the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—about a minute.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This step is where you really build the flavor base for the Crockpot Baked Ziti; stir until everything is well mixed and fragrant.

Step 3: Layer, Layer, Layer!

Spoon a thin layer of the prepared sauce onto the bottom of your crockpot—this prevents sticking and gives the ziti a saucy start. Add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta (yes, straight from the box!), followed by a portion of the meat mixture, a few dollops of creamy ricotta, and a sprinkling of mozzarella. Repeat each layer—with sauce, pasta, meat, ricotta, and mozzarella—until all ingredients are used, finishing with plenty of sauce, a final blanket of mozzarella, and all your grated Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low. In about 4 to 5 hours, the pasta will be beautifully tender and the cheese golden and bubbly. Check the pasta at the 4-hour mark to be on the safe side—every slow cooker is a little different, and you want that ziti al dente, not mushy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve!

When everything is done and your kitchen smells like cozy bliss, sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley. Let the Crockpot Baked Ziti sit for a few minutes before serving so the layers can set and slice up neatly.

How to Serve Crockpot Baked Ziti

Garnishes

A generous handful of freshly chopped parsley or fresh basil not only brings a pop of color but also brightens up the deep, cheesy flavors. For a bit of extra Italian flair, add a pinch of extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Baked Ziti is pure comfort on its own but shines brighter with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or a side of garlicky sautéed greens. Of course, don’t forget plenty of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop hearty portions into individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist, or offer a self-serve “ziti bar” with bowls of toppings like extra cheese, chopped herbs, or even sautéed mushrooms. If you’re packing it up for a potluck, transport it straight in the warm crockpot—the presentation is just as inviting when everyone can serve themselves family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in the fridge! Transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge, making reheated ziti something to look forward to.

Freezing

This dish is an excellent freezer candidate. Freeze portions of fully cooked and cooled ziti in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the cheese and pasta hold their wonderful texture.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave, or gently reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven covered with foil until bubbly. If the ziti looks a bit dry, add a splash of marinara or water before reheating to keep things nice and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for Crockpot Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! While ziti is classic, you can substitute penne or rigatoni with no trouble. Just make sure the pasta is uncooked when layering, so it absorbs all those lovely flavors as it cooks.

Will the pasta get mushy in the slow cooker?

As long as you check at the 4-hour mark and don’t let it sit too long, the pasta should come out perfectly al dente. Every slow cooker is a bit different, so checking early is the secret to ideal texture.

Can I make Crockpot Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite plant-based sausage or add extra veggie layers like sautéed mushrooms and spinach. All the richness and flavor, no meat required.

Can I assemble Crockpot Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can layer everything in your slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes before turning on the heat to take the chill off.

What’s the best way to avoid sticking?

A thorough misting of nonstick cooking spray does the trick! You can also use a parchment paper liner designed for slow cookers if you want super easy cleanup.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy layers of cheese, saucy pasta, and hearty flavors, give Crockpot Baked Ziti a place in your meal rotation. It’s the perfect recipe to share with family, serve to friends, or keep stashed in your fridge for crave-worthy leftovers. Trust me—once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with this easy Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe. Layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and cheesy goodness cook together in a slow cooker for a delicious family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

1 pound uncooked ziti pasta

Meat Sauce:

1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Mixture:

2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Other:

Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Spray Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook Meat: Brown the ground sausage or beef with onion in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, add garlic, and cook for another minute.
Prepare Sauce: Combine marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Layer Ingredients: Start with a thin layer of sauce in the crockpot. Add ziti, meat mixture, dollops of ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and remaining cheeses on top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until pasta is tender.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.