Name: Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487638H11M47S
Total time: PT-487638H11M47S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage); 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces); 1 jar pasta sauce (650 ml, about 2 1/2 cups); 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable broth); 1 box penne or ziti (375 grams, about 4 cups of short pasta); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe

Imagine all the comforting goodness of classic Italian pasta, but now made impossibly convenient—welcome to Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. This dish delivers rich tomato flavor, layers of seasoned meat, and a gooey cheese topping, all bubbling together in your slow cooker without any oven fuss. Every bite is packed with hearty textures and a savory, herby aroma that fills your home and your soul. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner that’s guaranteed to win over any crowd, whether you’re hosting friends or treating your family to something seriously special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti shine are the simple but essential ingredients that each add big flavor, great texture, or gorgeous color. Take a look at how each one brings something you don’t want to skip!

Ground beef (or turkey/Italian sausage): The foundation of the dish; gives it hearty flavor and keeps every bite satisfying.
Onion, finely chopped: Delivers subtle sweetness and depth that meld beautifully with the sauce as it cooks.
Minced garlic: Just a teaspoon packs a powerful punch, adding warmth and classic Italian aroma.
Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying all the other flavors.
Dried basil: Infuses the ziti with signature herbal notes and that unmistakable “Italian” flavor.
Dried parsley: Brightens up the sauce and adds a pop of color throughout.
Diced tomatoes (28 oz can): Creates the base of the sauce, with bits of tomato for juicy texture.
Pasta sauce: Provides a rich, savory foundation and ties everything together—choose your favorite jarred sauce for easy customizing.
Low-sodium chicken broth (or beef/vegetable broth): Adds moisture so the pasta cooks up perfectly tender, with richer flavor than plain water.
Penne or ziti (uncooked): The star of the show! Short tube pasta holds the sauce and cheese for every forkful.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket on top—no baked ziti is complete without it!

How to Make Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Start by heating a large skillet on medium and browning your ground beef with the finely chopped onion. When the beef is no longer pink and the onion turns soft and fragrant, stir in your minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and the dried herbs. Give everything just one more minute on the stove so those spices can really wake up. If you’re all about shortcuts, you can skip sautéing and toss the raw onion, garlic, and common spices straight into the slow cooker—your ziti will still taste amazing!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Next, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked beef mixture (or your raw veggies and spices) to the slow cooker. Pour in the diced tomatoes, your favorite jar of pasta sauce, and the flavorful broth. Use a big spoon to stir everything so the flavors begin to mingle even before you hit the start button.

Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for six hours, or to high for three hours if you need dinner on the table a little faster. This gentle bubbling time is when the magic happens: rich meaty flavors and bright tomato goodness all come together, making your kitchen smell simply irresistible.

Step 4: Add Pasta to the Slow Cooker

Once your sauce is beautifully melded, crank your slow cooker to high. Gently add the dry penne or ziti, stirring so each piece bathes in the savory sauce. Replace the lid and cook for another 15 to 30 minutes—give it a good stir at the 15-minute mark to see if the pasta has reached that perfect al dente bite.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve

When you’re happy with the pasta’s texture, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top in a generous, fluffy layer. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 3 to 5 more minutes, until it’s gloriously gooey. Once melted, serve immediately for the ultimate cheesy comfort bowl!

How to Serve Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Amp up your Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti by finishing each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for freshness, a dusting of parmesan for extra cheesy magic, or a swirl of chili flakes if you like a little heat—each garnish brings a burst of color and flavor to your plate.

Side Dishes

Classic garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or even some roasted vegetables make the perfect partners to your slow cooker ziti. They’ll all soak up that luscious sauce, easy as can be, and help round out your feel-good Italian feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti directly from the slow cooker for a rustic, homey vibe. If you want to impress, layer portions in individual ramekins and broil for a bubbly cheese crust. Or, try spooning it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful, handheld twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days, and simply reheat individual portions for easy lunches or a fuss-free dinner the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave covered until piping hot, or place larger amounts in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350 F oven. If it looks a little dry, just stir in a splash of broth or water before reheating to revive that saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef in Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a meatless crumble work beautifully. Each brings its own unique twist, but the rich sauce keeps everything flavorful and satisfying.

Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?

No pre-cooking required—just add the dry pasta straight into the slow cooker when the recipe says so. The pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce for incredible texture and big flavor.

What size slow cooker should I use for Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?

A 4-quart slow cooker is the minimum, but a 6-quart or larger model gives everything plenty of space and helps prevent overflow or sticking.

Can I prep Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti ahead of time?

You sure can! The meat mixture and sauce can be prepared the day before and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready, just set up the slow cooker, and add the pasta as directed.

What’s the best cheese to use if I want a blend?

Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone, fontina, or a sprinkle of parmesan for even more melty, golden goodness—and a punch of flavor in every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Whether it’s a family weeknight or a potluck with friends, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious—and I promise, everyone will beg for seconds. Give it a try and make it your new comfort food standby!

Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 22 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes on low or 3 hours 15 minutes on high
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of a comforting slow-cooked pasta dish with this Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe. Easy to prepare and bursting with delicious ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Instructions

Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, salt, basil, and parsley.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. Add tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Add Pasta to the Slow Cooker: Switch to high setting, add pasta, and cook for 15-30 minutes.
Finish with Cheese and Serve: Top with mozzarella cheese. Cook until melted. Serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this dish with your favorite Italian seasonings like oregano or red pepper flakes.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a boost of nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian