Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe: Easy, Cheesy, and Comforting
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and gooey melted cheese into one hearty dish. It takes the classic baked ziti you love and transforms it into a set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving the sauce a deep, robust taste while ensuring the pasta absorbs all the savory goodness.
What makes slow cooker baked ziti special is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need to heat up the oven, and it’s nearly impossible to overcook since everything cooks evenly over low heat. From the first bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of cheesy indulgence, rich tomato flavor, and tender pasta that makes this dish a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re cooking for a large family, hosting a potluck, or just craving a hearty meal, slow cooker baked ziti is a recipe that delivers both convenience and comfort without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a complete list of ingredients with approximate calorie counts for 6 servings:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approximate Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ziti pasta | 1 lb (450 g) | 1,680 kcal |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 kcal |
| Ground beef (or Italian sausage) | 1 lb (450 g) | 1,000 kcal |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves | 15 kcal |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28 oz (800 g) | 150 kcal |
| Tomato sauce | 15 oz (425 g) | 90 kcal |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tsp | 10 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp | 5 kcal |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup (245 g) | 430 kcal |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups (200 g) | 700 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup (50 g) | 200 kcal |
| Fresh basil, chopped (optional) | ¼ cup | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water for 1–2 minutes less than package directions (it will finish cooking in the slow cooker). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Meat
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Prepare the Sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the meat mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
4. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Start with a layer of cooked pasta, then half of the sauce, half of the ricotta cheese (dolloped), and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
5. Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 2 hours. The cheese should be melted, the sauce bubbly, and the pasta fully tender.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein Options: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even a mix of both.
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Use provolone or fontina in place of mozzarella, or mix cheeses for richer flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the ziti in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day for convenience.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving (6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 760 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Calcium | 35% DV |
Slow cooker baked ziti is rich, hearty, and satisfying, offering protein, carbohydrates, and calcium from the cheeses while packing in a comforting tomato flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the sauce.
- Add roasted vegetables on the side for added color and nutrition.
- Finish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil for presentation and flavor.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti: Easy, Cheesy, and Comforting
6
servings20
minutes3
hours760
kcalIngredients
1 lb (450 g) ziti pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes
15 oz (425 g) tomato sauce
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup (245 g) ricotta cheese
2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil ziti in salted water for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage, onion, and garlic. Cook until meat is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Stir crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes into the meat. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- Spray slow cooker with nonstick spray. Layer half the pasta, half the sauce, half the ricotta, and one-third of the mozzarella. Repeat, finishing with remaining sauce and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pasta Cooking: Slightly undercook the ziti before adding to the slow cooker. It will finish cooking and absorb the sauce perfectly without becoming mushy.
Cheese Tips: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more evenly than pre-shredded. Ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan on top enhances flavor and presentation.
Meat Options: Ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey, or a combination all work well. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add extra vegetables.
FAQs
1. Can I make slow cooker baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the ziti in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Cook it the next day for a convenient, hands-off meal.
2. Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
It’s recommended to cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. This ensures it doesn’t become mushy while cooking in the slow cooker.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also use a plant-based sausage or meat alternative.
4. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Mozzarella and ricotta are classic, but provolone, fontina, or even gouda can be used for a richer, varied flavor. Parmesan cheese is optional for topping.
5. How long should I cook baked ziti in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours. The cheese should be melted, the sauce bubbly, and the pasta fully tender.
Conclusion
Slow cooker baked ziti is the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. With minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy a cheesy, hearty, and flavorful meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet Italian kitchen. Its versatility allows for endless customizations with different meats, cheeses, and vegetables, making it ideal for families, meal prep, or entertaining guests. Every forkful delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with perfectly baked pasta and rich, savory tomato sauce—truly a dish that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table.
