Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights when you still want a hearty, homemade meal. This dish layers tender pasta, savory tomato sauce, seasoned ground meat, and gooey melted cheese—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. No need to boil noodles or babysit the stove; just prep, set, and come back to a warm, satisfying dinner the whole family will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this one-pot wonder makes dinnertime deliciously easy. And the best part? The slow-cooked flavors only get better with time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

• Dump-and-go simplicity – No need to boil pasta beforehand. Everything goes straight into the slow cooker, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.
• One-pot comfort food – This is a cheesy, saucy pasta bake with all the depth of oven-baked ziti—without heating up your kitchen.
• Family-friendly and filling – Hearty enough to satisfy big appetites, and picky eaters love it too.
• Customizable ingredients – Swap the meat, adjust the cheese, or sneak in extra veggies—it’s flexible to fit your needs.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully – If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or use Italian sausage or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
• 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or use beef or veggie broth)
• 4 cups dry ziti or penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan or Italian cheese blend

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is fully browned and the onion is soft. Add minced garlic, salt, basil, and parsley. Stir and cook for 1 more minute. (Optional shortcut: Skip browning and add raw onion and spices directly to the slow cooker.)
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
   Transfer the beef mixture to a 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook the Sauce Base
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen.
4. Add Pasta
   Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook for 15–30 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark and stirring once to prevent sticking.
5. Finish with Cheese
   Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for another 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Spoon into bowls while hot and melty. Optional: top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours
• Total Time: 3 hr 20 min to 6 hr 20 min
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Estimated Cost: Budget-friendly (approx. $12–15 for full batch)

Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

Based on 8 servings using ground beef and full-fat cheese. Exact values may vary.

• Calories: 300–350
• Protein: 20–25g
• Fat: 15–18g
• Carbohydrates: 30–35g
• Fiber: 2–4g
• Sugar: 5–6g
• Sodium: 600–800mg

Tips & Variations

✅ Pro Tips for Perfect Texture

• Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and burnt edges.
• Don’t overcook the pasta. Check it at the 15-minute mark after adding to the slow cooker—it should be tender but not mushy.
• Stir halfway through the final pasta cook time to distribute heat and avoid clumps.

🔁 Ingredient Swaps

• Meat options: Use ground turkey, chicken, spicy Italian sausage, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Cheese blends: Try provolone, Parmesan, or dairy-free alternatives if needed.
• Broth flexibility: Any broth works—just adjust salt levels accordingly.
• Add veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the final hour for extra nutrients.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t add the pasta at the beginning—it will overcook and fall apart.
• Avoid extra liquid. The pasta releases starch, thickening the sauce naturally.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti delivers classic cheesy, saucy goodness with almost no hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights or crowd-pleasing leftovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb ground beef or turkey or Italian sausage
• – 1 small onion finely chopped
• – 2 cloves garlic minced
• – 1½ tsp kosher salt
• – 1 tsp dried basil
• – 1 tsp dried parsley
• – 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• – 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce
• – 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef/vegetable broth
• – 4 cups dry ziti or penne pasta
• – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• – Optional: ½ cup grated Parmesan or Italian blend cheese

Equipment

• – Slow cooker (4 qt or larger)
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. In a skillet, brown ground beef and onion over medium heat. Add garlic, salt, basil, and parsley; cook for 1 more minute.
2. Transfer mixture to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
3. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
4. Turn slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in dry pasta. Cook for 15–30 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark.
5. Once pasta is tender, sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover and cook for 3–5 minutes until melted.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

– Pasta should be added after the initial cook time to prevent overcooking.
– For extra flavor, top with fresh basil or grated Parmesan before serving.
– Stir gently once after adding pasta to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?

Yes! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta goes in dry and cooks directly in the sauce, soaking up all the flavor. Just be sure to add it after the initial cook time—never at the beginning.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Ziti and penne are ideal, but you can also use rigatoni or rotini. Stick to sturdy, dry pasta made from durum wheat semolina for the best texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat and add mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles. Use vegetable broth and dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth in the microwave or oven to keep it moist.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the meat and mix the sauce the night before. Refrigerate everything (except the pasta), then set it in the slow cooker the next day and follow the remaining steps.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and all the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave, it’s a dish that wins over picky kids, hungry teens, and busy adults alike. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle the rest of your day—or just kick back until dinner is served. Whether you’re feeding a family or stocking your fridge with delicious leftovers, this baked ziti is about to become a regular on your weekly menu.