If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Combining perfectly cooked pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, and layers of creamy, melty cheese, this dish bakes up beautifully in your slow cooker with minimal effort on your part. It’s an impressive, crowd-pleasing comfort food classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even inviting friends over for a cozy feast. Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a handful of simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create incredible depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Each component is essential: the Italian sausage and ground beef bring hearty richness, the marinara lends a tangy tomato base, and the trio of cheeses ensures that creamy, gooey delight we all love in baked pasta dishes.
- Ziti pasta (1 pound): The perfect tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the sauce and cheese wonderfully.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 ounces): Adds bright tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Italian sausage, ground (1 pound): Offers a spiced, savory kick essential for that classic baked ziti taste.
- Ground beef (1/2 pound): Brings meaty richness and texture variety.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant herbal note.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian seasoning to round out the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds just a hint of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1/4 cup): Brightens the dish and adds freshness.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps to balance the sauce, keeping it from being too thick.
- Ricotta cheese (2 cups): Creamy texture that creates luscious layers inside the baked ziti.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (3 cups): Melts beautifully for that classic cheesy pull.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, salty complexity.
- Large egg (1): Binds the ricotta layer for smooth, cohesive texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of spice depth.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground Italian sausage and ground beef. Use a spatula to break the meat apart as it cooks. The browning process, which takes about 6 to 8 minutes, is where your flavor journey begins — that delicious caramelization adds so much depth to the sauce.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the meat is nicely browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. The garlic will release its irresistible aroma, making your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together so the herbs coat the mixture evenly, prepping your sauce for that classic Italian flavor profile.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and the half cup of water. Stir well and let the sauce simmer on low for about 5 to 7 minutes, allowing all those flavors to mingle and intensify beautifully.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until just al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot for layering.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Mix the browned meat sauce into the cooked pasta thoroughly to coat every piece. This step ensures every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
Step 7: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley. This creamy blend will give your baked ziti its signature luscious texture.
Step 8: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Now the fun part: layering! Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Then dollop and spread half the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
Step 9: Repeat Layers and Cook
Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow cooker will gently melt the cheese and meld all the flavors into an irresistible dish.
Step 10: Final Touches
Once cooked, check that the cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges are slightly crispy. Turn off the slow cooker and let the baked ziti set for 10 minutes before serving — this rest time helps everything firm up just right for perfect slices.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe a fresh, vibrant finish, sprinkle additional chopped parsley right before serving. You could also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti shines best served alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Garlic bread or warm focaccia make excellent companions, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving this slow cooker baked ziti layered in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes. It’s also fantastic for potluck-style meals—portion it out and let everyone grab a personal-sized helping straight from the slow cooker.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve both flavor and moisture.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! After the slow cooker baked ziti has cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick meal on a busy night.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce if it seems dry. Cover with foil in the oven to keep moisture intact, then uncover near the end for that cheesy bubbly finish.
FAQs
Can I make this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and ground beef, and you can add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, pre-cooking the pasta ensures it reaches the perfect tender texture. Undercooked pasta won’t soften properly in the slow cooker’s cooking time.
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Definitely! While ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are traditional, feel free to experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a different twist.
Is it okay to cook the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe on high instead of low?
Yes, cooking on high will reduce the cooking time to about 2 to 3 hours, but low and slow cooking usually gives the best texture and flavor meld.
How do I know when the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is done?
Look for bubbly, melted cheese on top and slightly crispy edges around the slow cooker. The sauce should be hot throughout, and the pasta tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is a genuine lifesaver for anyone who loves hearty, homemade Italian food without spending hours standing at the stove. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s sure to warm your heart and your belly. I hope you enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite as much as I do — don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family!
Print
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 4h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 20m
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce with seasoned ground meats and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Prepared with a combination of stovetop sautéing and slow cooking, it delivers layers of cheesy, hearty goodness with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the meat mixture.
- Cook the meats: Add the ground Italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet.
- Break up the meat: Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Brown the meat: Cook the meat for 6-8 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add onion and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic with the meat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Cook the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add dried herbs and spices: Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, if using.
- Mix well: Stir thoroughly to combine all the spices with the meat and vegetables.
- Add sauce and water: Pour the marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water into the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Set sauce aside: Turn off the heat and set the sauce mixture aside.
- Boil pasta water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook the pasta: Add the ziti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked sauce mixture to the pot with the ziti, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley until smooth.
- Layer in slow cooker: Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add ricotta layer: Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it evenly.
- Add mozzarella cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layering with remaining pasta mixture, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover slow cooker: Place the lid on the slow cooker securely.
- Cook the ziti: Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until cheese is melted and bubbly, edges slightly crispy.
- Rest the dish: Turn off the slow cooker and let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit meats and add sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms and bell peppers.
- Be careful to not overcook the pasta during boiling since it will continue to cook in the slow cooker.
- If using the high setting on the slow cooker, check the ziti at 2 hours to prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding fresh basil as garnish can elevate the flavor even more.
