Description

There’s nothing better than a warm, cheesy pasta dish at the end of a long day, and this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti makes it easier than ever! If you love lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is the perfect solution. It delivers all the delicious, comforting flavors of a classic baked ziti with minimal effort—just set it and forget it!

Originating from Italian-American cuisine, baked ziti is a staple for family dinners and potlucks. This slow cooker version simplifies the process, eliminating the need for boiling pasta beforehand. The result? A rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that practically cooks itself.

Pair it with a fresh green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. And if you’re in the mood to elevate your dining experience, a glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon complements the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or Italian sausage: 1 pound
• Marinara sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces)
• Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces)
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Black pepper: To taste
• Ziti pasta (uncooked): 1 pound
• Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, grated
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Method

1. Brown ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat and drain excess fat.
2. In a slow cooker, combine cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add uncooked ziti pasta and mix until coated in sauce.
4. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top of the pasta mixture.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours until pasta is tender.
6. In the last 20 minutes, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top and cover.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Tips and Conclusion

Lighter option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

Vegetarian twist: Omit the meat and add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed alternative.

Gluten-free friendly: Use gluten-free pasta, but keep an eye on the cooking time—it may cook faster.

Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce for extra heat.

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti proves that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you're feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty pasta dish, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Looking for more easy slow cooker meals? Try our Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta or Hearty Crockpot Lasagna next! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends—they’ll never guess how effortless it was to make!