Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
If there’s one dish that turns any weeknight into a celebration, it has to be Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. Imagine all the gooey, cheesy comfort of classic baked ziti, but made even easier thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers layers of saucy pasta, perfectly seasoned beef, and loads of melty cheese without ever turning on the oven. Trust me, it’s a dish that always disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to create a show-stopping Slow Cooker Baked Ziti! Each ingredient brings its own flair – from the richness of ricotta and beef to the sharpness of Parmesan and the freshness of basil. Here’s what you’ll need and why you absolutely can’t skip them:
- Ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and meaty texture that makes this ziti so satisfying.
- Ricotta cheese: Gives each bite a creamy, luscious layer you’ll want seconds (and thirds) of.
- Large eggs: Help the ricotta mixture set up so your ziti has structure, not soupy pools.
- Fresh basil (or dried): Infuses subtle brightness and color throughout the dish.
- Pasta sauce (jarred): Brings bold, concentrated tomato flavor while keeping prep speedy.
- Plain tomato sauce (canned): Adds extra sauciness and helps the pasta cook perfectly.
- Dried ziti pasta: The star of the show, absorbing all those amazing flavors as it cooks.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends nutty, salty depth to every layer and that iconic Italian finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over the top for that irresistible golden, bubbly blanket.
- Salt and black pepper: Seasonings that wake up all the flavors so nothing falls flat.
- Cooking spray: Ensures easy cleanup and keeps all those delicious layers from sticking.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating your skillet over medium and browning your ground beef until it’s no longer pink. You want a bit of golden color for flavor, so don’t rush this step. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside. This simple move keeps your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti rich but never greasy.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and flecked with herby green. This luscious blend is what gives every forkful of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti that signature creaminess.
Step 3: Stir Together the Sauces
Pour your jarred pasta sauce and canned tomato sauce into a separate bowl and give them a good mix. This combo means your pasta will cook evenly and absorb more flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray. Trust me, this is your ticket to easy serving and tidy cleanup once your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is ready to enjoy.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Begin with a base layer of sauce (about 2⅓ cups) to keep the pasta from sticking. Next, add one-third of the uncooked ziti, dollops of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and half your cooked beef. Repeat this layering twice more, always finishing with a hearty layer of sauce on top.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Pop on the slow cooker lid and set to HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours. Your kitchen will start to smell like an Italian trattoria, and the pasta will soak up all those amazing flavors until perfectly tender. Try not to peek too often, so all the heat stays inside!
Step 7: Add the Cheesy Topping
About 10 to 15 minutes before serving, scatter mozzarella cheese all over the top of the ziti. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt to dreamy, gooey perfection. This finishing touch takes your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti from great to unforgettable.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Let everything cool just a bit before scooping into bowls. The flavors will meld and the texture will firm up, making for the most satisfying, cheesy forkfuls. Don’t forget to garnish with extra basil or Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Garnishes
A dish this splendid deserves a flourish! Shower your ziti with freshly chopped basil for color, or let generous ribbons of Parmesan snow down across the top. A little cracked black pepper also wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a meal in itself, but it’s even more memorable with a crisp Caesar salad, a green vegetable like roasted broccoli, or a loaf of warm, crusty garlic bread ready for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, try serving your ziti in big, family-style bowls or ladle it into individual ramekins for that special touch. For potlucks, just bring the slow cooker and let everyone help themselves — this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any uneaten Slow Cooker Baked Ziti to room temperature and transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to four days — the flavors often get even better after a night’s rest!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Once cooled, portion individual servings or whole batches into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until heated through, or pop them in a covered ovenproof dish at 350°F until bubbling. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating for maximum comfort.
FAQs
Can I make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the ground beef or swap it for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based crumbles. You’ll still get all the cheesy, hearty goodness without the meat.
Will the pasta get mushy in the slow cooker?
Nope! Since you use uncooked ziti and only cook it 2½ to 3 hours on HIGH, it comes out perfectly al dente as long as you don’t overcook. Keep an eye on the time to nail that texture.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer, though the texture is a bit looser and milder. For the creamiest layers, stick with ricotta — but either one works in a pinch!
What if I only have shredded Italian cheese blend?
No problem! Use what you have. An Italian cheese blend will melt beautifully and add even more flavor. Mozzarella is classic for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, but a blend is a tasty twist.
How do I keep the ziti from sticking to the sides?
A generous coating of cooking spray before you layer ingredients goes a long way. It helps the ziti serve up cleanly — and makes washing up so much easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy, effortless comfort that feeds the whole table, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the recipe to try. Grab your slow cooker, pile in those layers, and share hearty, cheesy happiness with everyone who comes to dinner!
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and hearty meal with this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe. Layers of pasta, cheeses, savory meat, and aromatic herbs come together for a delicious and satisfying dish that practically cooks itself.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
1 lb
Ricotta Cheese Mixture:
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped (or 1 tsp dried))
Sauce:
24 oz jar tomato-based pasta sauce
15 oz can plain tomato sauce
Ziti Pasta:
12 oz dried ziti pasta
Cheeses:
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings:
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Others:
Cooking spray
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Mix Sauces: In another bowl, stir together the pasta sauce and tomato sauce.
- Prep Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
- Layering: Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom. Add ziti, ricotta mixture, Parmesan, and beef. Repeat layers, ending with sauce on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours until pasta is tender.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle mozzarella on top during the last 10–15 minutes, cover, and let melt.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with basil or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can customize the cheese blend with your favorites like provolone or fontina.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, Baked Ziti Recipe, Slow Cooker Pasta, Italian Pasta Dish
