Name: Crockpot Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; ½ cup diced onion; 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves); 1 teaspoon basil; 1 teaspoon oregano; 2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce; 1 (16-ounce) box baked ziti, uncooked; 1 cup ricotta cheese; ½ cup parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Crockpot baked ziti is a hearty and cheesy pasta dish made with tender noodles, seasoned beef, flavorful pasta sauce, and three types of cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection for an easy family-friendly dinner. It’s the kind of comforting meal I love coming home to after a long day. The layers of gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make every bite incredibly satisfying. Crockpot Baked Ziti

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this crockpot baked ziti brings all the comfort of a traditional baked pasta dish with the ease of slow cooking. There’s no need to boil the pasta beforehand, and it’s practically a one-pot meal. Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or just meal-prepping for the week, this recipe always hits the spot. It’s flavorful, customizable, and perfect for feeding hungry mouths without much hands-on time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
2 (24-ounce) jars pasta sauce
1 (16-ounce) box baked ziti, uncooked
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat along with the onion and garlic until fully cooked. Then I drain any excess fat.
I stir in the basil, oregano, and pasta sauce, letting the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to deepen the flavor.
After spraying the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray, I spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
Then I begin layering: uncooked ziti, dollops of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of parmesan, a handful of mozzarella, and more meat sauce. I repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
I top everything with the remaining mozzarella cheese for a golden, gooey finish.
I cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the pasta is tender.
Right before serving, I sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Variations

I sometimes like to switch up the protein by using Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian version, I skip the meat entirely and maybe add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. When I want a deeper flavor, I use my homemade pasta sauce instead of jarred.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If I’m reheating a larger amount, I use the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 20–25 minutes until heated through. This dish also freezes well—just cool it completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the crockpot?

I make sure to use uncooked ziti and layer it evenly with the sauce. Cooking on LOW helps the pasta absorb just the right amount of liquid without overcooking.

Can I make this crockpot ziti ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the night before, cover the crock insert, and refrigerate it. Then I just pop it into the slow cooker the next day and cook as directed.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If I’m out of ricotta, I substitute with cottage cheese or even a layer of béchamel for a creamy twist.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. I like adding spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Do I need to cook the pasta first?

No need! One of the best parts of this recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the crockpot, soaking up all the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Crockpot baked ziti is my go-to recipe when I want something cozy, cheesy, and low-effort. It’s perfect for busy days, family dinners, or feeding a crowd with minimal cleanup. Once I tried it, it became a permanent addition to my dinner rotation, and I’m sure it’ll find a spot in yours too.