Name: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 25 min
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1½ teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28 oz or 798 ml); 2½ cups marinara sauce; 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340 g); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re into comfort food that practically cooks itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out — cheesy, saucy, and perfectly tender pasta all made in one pot! It’s a total game changer when you want something hearty without hovering over the stove. Stick around, because I’m going to share everything you need to nail this slow cooker magic at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless One-Pot Cooking: You’ll toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—it doesn’t get easier than this!
Rich, Homemade Flavor: Browning the beef with herbs before slow cooking seals in loads of flavor that you can really taste.
Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Adding dry pasta midway might sound tricky, but it turns out perfectly al dente every time.
Family-Friendly Comfort: This recipe has become a staple in my house because everyone—from kids to adults—raves about it.

A white bowl filled with a layered pasta dish is shown, featuring a base of penne pasta mixed with a chunky tomato sauce containing ground meat and visible tomato pieces. The top layer shows melted golden cheese with some herbs sprinkled over it. A wooden spoon lifts a portion out, revealing the layers of pasta, sauce, meat, and cheese in detail, with some fresh green herbs scattered on top. The dish sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work together like a dream to create that classic baked ziti that’s comforting and filling. You’ll want to grab quality marinara and fresh herbs if you can — they make all the difference.

Ground beef: Using lean ground beef keeps it hearty without too much grease.
Onion: Finely chopped so it blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses aroma and depth.
Salt: Balances and brings out the natural flavors.
Dried basil: Adds that iconic Italian herb note.
Dried parsley: Gives a subtle earthiness.
Diced tomatoes (with liquid): Canned is just fine — the juices help keep the pasta moist during cooking.
Marinara sauce: Choose one you love; homemade or store-bought both work well.
Low-sodium chicken broth: This adds depth without overpowering the tomato sauce.
Dry penne or ziti pasta: Dry pasta works perfectly here—no need to pre-cook!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, bubbling finish everyone dreams about.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or my mood. Don’t hesitate to tweak it—it’s super forgiving and welcomes creativity.

Meat Variation: Sometimes I swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for a leaner twist that still packs flavor.
Veggie Boost: Adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers gives the dish extra color and nutrition without losing the cozy vibe.
Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding cheese, try a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top after cooking—it adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process mixes in nicely without overpowering.

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and browning the ground beef with finely chopped onions. I find about 5 minutes does the trick until everything is nicely browned and fragrant. Then stir in your minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and parsley, letting those aromatics toast for about a minute. This step is key—it wakes up the flavors in a way that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer that savory beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their liquid), marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir so everything’s well combined. This layering of liquids ensures your pasta will cook perfectly without drying out. Pop the lid on and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Finish Cooking

Once your sauce and meat have melded together beautifully, turn your slow cooker up to high. Add the dry penne or ziti pasta and stir thoroughly to combine. Cover again and cook for 15 to 30 minutes—checking at the 15-minute mark and giving it a gentle stir to prevent sticking. You’re aiming for al dente pasta; it’ll soak up all those delicious flavors just right.

Step 4: Melt the Mozzarella and Serve

Once the pasta is tender, remove the slow cooker from heat and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover for 3 to 5 minutes. This lets the cheese melt luxuriously without overcooking. And that’s it—you’re ready to dish up some seriously comforting Slow Cooker Baked Ziti!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Brown the Meat Well: I discovered this trick when I first tried the recipe—browning beef and onions together adds depth you don’t want to skip.
Use Liquids Wisely: Don’t skimp on the tomato liquid and broth—it keeps the pasta from drying out as it cooks in the crockpot.
Check Pasta Early: Stir at the 15-minute mark after adding dry pasta to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Let Cheese Rest: Leaving the mozzarella covered off heat allows it to melt smoothly without getting rubbery—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

A white plate filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is a chunky brown meat sauce with visible bits of ground meat and red tomato pieces; the middle layer is yellowish cooked penne pasta mixed and coated in the sauce; the top layer is creamy melted light-orange cheese spread unevenly on the pasta, sprinkled with small green parsley flakes; a silver fork holds a few pasta pieces on the right side of the plate; the plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of chopped green parsley in the background and some green leafy herbs on the left side; a black-and-white striped cloth is under the plate edge; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley right on top after serving, just to add a fresh green pop and brightness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan also amps up the cheesy goodness. I love how those simple touches make the dish feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or some garlic bread for dunking into that sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like serving the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe straight from the crockpot right at the table—it keeps things warm and cozy. Or, layer it in a beautiful ceramic baking dish and add a little extra mozzarella on top before everyone digs in. It looks impressive without any extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, which makes reheating even better the next day—flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. After cooling completely, I pack portions into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I thaw and reheat, it tastes just as yummy as fresh!

Reheating

For best results, I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Covering the dish while reheating helps keep it moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta in the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be aware that gluten-free pasta can cook faster and sometimes become mushy if left too long in liquid. I suggest checking the pasta texture earlier than the recipe states to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make a similar baked ziti on the stovetop or oven, but the slow cooker version is unique because it cooks everything together nicely with minimal effort. For stovetop, cook pasta separately and then combine with browned meat and sauce before baking with cheese on top.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before cooking?

Yes! You can assemble everything except the pasta the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Add the pasta and give it a stir right before you start cooking. Just expect the cooking time to be a little longer if ingredients are cold.
How do I make this recipe less salty?

Using low-sodium broth and marinara helps control salt levels. Also, taste as you go and reduce added salt if needed, especially if your canned tomatoes or sauce are already well salted.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for busy nights when I want warmth and comfort without fuss. I hope you find it as easy and delicious as we do—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a big hug after a long day. Give it a try; I promise it’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection too!