Go Back
Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

This easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and cheesy pasta dinner made with tender ziti pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, and anyone who loves a simple slow cooker comfort food recipe.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 jars 24 ounces each marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Pasta and Cheese Layers
  • 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish if desired

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker or crock pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater, if shredding cheese fresh

Method
 

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart into small pieces as it cooks.
  2. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the chopped onion and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
  1. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef.
  2. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
  3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
  2. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
  1. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
  2. Spread approximately 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce across the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 5: Create the First Layer
  1. Add approximately half of the uncooked ziti pasta to the slow cooker.
  2. Spoon about half of the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, making sure as much of the pasta as possible is covered with sauce.
  3. Add half of the ricotta mixture in spoonfuls across the surface.
  4. Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a portion of the remaining Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
Step 6: Add the Second Layer
  1. Add the remaining uncooked ziti pasta.
  2. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta, ensuring the pasta is well covered.
  3. Add the remaining ricotta mixture in spoonfuls.
  4. Sprinkle another cup of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 7: Cook the Baked Ziti
  1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  2. Cook on LOW for approximately 2½ to 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender.
  3. Begin checking the pasta toward the end of the cooking time because slow cookers can vary in temperature.
  4. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta can become soft or mushy.
Step 8: Add the Final Cheese Layer
  1. When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
  2. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
  1. Turn off the slow cooker and allow the Crock Pot Baked Ziti to rest for approximately 10 minutes.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  3. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Watch the pasta carefully: Slow cookers vary in temperature, so begin checking the pasta before the suggested cooking time ends.
Use enough sauce: The uncooked pasta needs sufficient moisture to cook properly. Make sure the majority of the pasta is covered with sauce.
Freshly shredded cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Ground beef substitutions: Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: Crock Pot Baked Ziti can be frozen in airtight freezer-safe containers for approximately 2 to 3 months.
Reheating: Add a small amount of marinara sauce when reheating if the pasta appears dry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy Crock Pot Baked Ziti with:
Garlic bread
Caesar salad
Fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Italian-style green beans
Caprese salad