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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

If you love cheesy pasta dishes but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect recipe. It’s hearty, flavorful, and requires minimal effort. Just layer everything in your crockpot, set it, and let the slow cooker do the work. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking – no need to pre-boil pasta.
Cheesy comfort food – filled with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Customizable – make it meaty, vegetarian, or even gluten-free.
Perfect for busy days – set it in the morning and come home to dinner ready.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (adds rich flavor; swap with turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce (your favorite store-bought or homemade)
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes (adds extra sauciness)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked, goes straight into the slow cooker)
1 cup ricotta cheese (for creaminess)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (melty goodness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (sharp, salty flavor boost)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional, but adds freshness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat to prevent greasiness.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In your slow cooker, add:

Cooked meat
Marinara sauce
Crushed tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Cheese

Pour in the uncooked ziti pasta, making sure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly across the mixture (this creates creamy pockets throughout).

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours, or until the pasta is tender. Avoid opening the lid too often, as it releases heat and slows down the cooking process.

Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer

In the last 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. Cover again and let the cheeses melt into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the baked ziti onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Variations & Tips

Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Skip the meat and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta, but check the pasta earlier since it cooks faster.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for heat.
Make Ahead: Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of sauce if it looks dry.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is everything you want in comfort food: cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor without all the hassle of traditional baked pasta. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekends, it’s sure to become a regular on your menu.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti