Name: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487624H39M3S
Total time: 6 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage); 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 28 oz can diced tomatoes; 650 ml jar pasta sauce (about 2 ½ cups); 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable); 375 gram box Penne or Ziti (or other short pasta, about 4 cups); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, bubbling-hot pasta dish that practically makes itself, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is your new weeknight hero. This hands-off version of the Italian-American classic features tender noodles, a rich meaty sauce, and a blanket of melty cheese, all layered together right in your slow cooker. It’s as hearty as it is simple, making it perfect for busy families, potluck gatherings, or any time you crave a cozy homemade meal without turning on the oven.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how the right handful of ingredients work together to create unforgettable flavor and the dreamy, ooey-gooey texture baked ziti is known for. Each item pulls its weight, whether it’s deepening the sauce, adding savoriness, or building that essential cheese pull.

Ground beef (or turkey, or Italian sausage): Offers hearty, savory flavor and satisfying protein, but feel free to swap in your preferred meat.
Onion (finely chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the meat.
Minced garlic: Adds aromatic complexity that perfumes the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing out the best in your ingredients.
Dried basil: Bright, classic herb flavor that screams “Italian comfort” in every bite.
Dried parsley: Offers a fresh, green note to balance the rich sauce.
Canned diced tomatoes: These provide tangy, chunky texture and deepen the sauce perfectly.
Pasta sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety; it’s the shortcut that gives a slow-simmered flavor.
Low sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable): Liquid gold that helps the pasta cook up tender and soaks up all those flavors.
Penne or Ziti pasta (uncooked): Holds up beautifully in the slow cooker and soaks in every bit of sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy finish that ties everything together with melty goodness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is nicely browned and the onions turn translucent. Sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, basil, and parsley, and stir for another minute until everything smells deeply savory. If you’re pressed for time, here’s a game-changing shortcut: you can skip browning the onion and spices and add them straight to your slow cooker, but browning does deepen the flavor.

Step 2: Build the Sauce in the Slow Cooker

Now, transfer your browned meat mixture to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, your jar of favorite pasta sauce, and the chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. At this point, you already have a base that smells like an Italian kitchen!

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours. This step lets all the flavors really meld, and the sauce will thicken into something truly crave-worthy. Your kitchen will start to fill with that unmistakable “dinner is coming” aroma.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before you want to eat, switch the slow cooker to high if you haven’t already. Stir in your uncooked penne or ziti pasta so it’s fully coated with that beautiful sauce. Cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking and to gauge just how close the pasta is to al dente perfection. Every slow cooker runs a little differently, so keep a close eye for perfectly tender, not mushy, noodles!

Step 5: Say Yes to Cheese

Time for the finishing touch. Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover and let it melt for 3 to 5 minutes, until you have a glorious, bubbly topping. Scoop, serve, and get ready to witness smiles all around as you dig into your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of fresh basil or parsley over the finished dish for a pop of color and herbal freshness. For extra flair, add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. Each garnish brings a fresh contrast that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with a crisp Caesar salad, some garlicky green beans, or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Don’t forget a basket of toasted garlic bread — perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the slow cooker for a casual family meal, or ladle into individual baking dishes and broil briefly for a browned, bubbly top. For parties, offer customizable toppings like red pepper flakes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated olives for a zesty Italian bar vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti stores beautifully! Allow leftovers to cool thoroughly, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days — the flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even better.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, spoon cooled ziti into a freezer-safe container, layering with parchment if you want to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave single servings with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or warm larger portions in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated through. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cheese for that just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that gluten-free pasta can become mushy faster in the slow cooker. Start checking it for doneness after just 10 minutes of cooking, and try to use sturdy shapes for best results.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting overcooked?

Add the uncooked pasta in the last 15–30 minutes and check it sooner rather than later. Every slow cooker is a bit different, so your first batch will help you dial in the perfect timing.

Can I make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Definitely! Just omit the meat and use vegetable broth. You could replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a plant-based Italian sausage for a fantastic texture and flavor.

What’s the difference between ziti and penne?

Ziti and penne are both tubular pastas, but ziti is usually smooth and has straight-cut ends, while penne is slightly shorter with angled ends and sometimes grooved. Either pasta works perfectly in this recipe!

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

No need to pre-boil! The magic of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is that the dry pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all that delicious flavor as it softens.

Final Thoughts

If comfort food plus convenience is your love language, you won’t want to miss the magic of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Every bite is loaded with saucy goodness and gooey cheese, all with barely any hands-on time. Try it this week and treat yourself to a crowd-pleasing classic — your slow cooker will make you feel like a kitchen superstar!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (approx.)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with minimal effort. With layers of savory flavors and gooey melted cheese, it’s a perfect comfort food for any day of the week.

Instructions

Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic, salt, basil, and parsley and cook for 1 minute. (You can also add the raw onion and spices directly into the slow cooker if desired.)
Combine Ingredients: Add the beef mixture, tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cook in Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Add Pasta: Turn the slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or additional seasonings.
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground meat with plant-based meat alternatives.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian