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 (28oz or 798ml); 2½ cups marinara sauce; 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340g); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re craving a comforting Italian meal that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out tender, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors – and the best part? You can prep it in the morning and come home to a delicious, piping hot dinner waiting for you. Trust me, slow cooker magic at its finest!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: You just brown some beef, toss everything in the slow cooker, and forget about it until dinnertime.
One-Pot Wonder: The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so no extra pots to wash afterward.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this cheesy, hearty dish every single time.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily tweak herbs, cheese, or add veggies to make it your own.

A white bowl filled with three layers of food: at the bottom there is a red tomato sauce with chunks of meat and tomato pieces, on top of that are yellowish penne pasta cooked in the sauce, and the top layer is melted light yellow cheese sprinkled with small green herb bits. A wooden spoon lifts a scoop of the layered pasta, meat, and cheese mix from the bowl, showing the thick texture and rich colors of the dish. The bowl is placed against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients combine to create a deeply flavorful baked ziti that’s comforting and filling. Using simple pantry staples means you might already have everything you need, making it even more inviting to try right now.

Ground beef: Lean ground beef keeps it hearty without too much grease – and browning brings out the best flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the sauce and adds subtle sweetness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives a punch of aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
Salt: Brings out all the other flavors beautifully – don’t skimp!
Dried basil: Adds that classic Italian herbal touch you expect in baked ziti.
Dried parsley: For a gentle fresh note and color contrast.
Can of diced tomatoes: The liquid helps build the sauce base and adds bright tomato chunks for texture.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for extra flavor depth.
Chicken broth (low sodium): Keeps the sauce flavorful, and adding the broth helps the pasta cook perfectly without drying out.
Dry penne or ziti pasta: These tubular pastas hold onto sauce wonderfully – and I love ziti for its chewy bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, irresistible cheese that finishes the dish perfectly.

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

While this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is fantastic as is, I love mixing it up depending on what’s in my pantry or how adventurous everyone feels. You can easily make it your own!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies – I’ve tried this with eggplant and it’s a hit!
Extra Cheesy: Add ricotta or Parmesan into the mix before cooking for a richer, creamier experience.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce kicks it up a notch if you like heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta – just adjust cooking time since those can cook faster.

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

First things first: heat a large skillet on medium-high and cook the ground beef together with finely chopped onion until nicely browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes. I find stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking and encourages even browning. This step brings out that deep, savory flavor that sets the tone for the whole dish. When the beef is just about cooked through, toss in the minced garlic, along with salt, dried basil, and parsley. Cooking these aromatics for about a minute or until fragrant helps release their oils and infuses the meat with wonderful herby notes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Once your beef mixture is ready, transfer it straight into your 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors evenly before covering the slow cooker. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate how easy this part is – no need to dirty multiple dishes!

Step 3: Slow Cook and Add Pasta

Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6 hours, or high for 3 hours if you’re short on time. Your kitchen will start smelling incredible! When that time’s up, switch the slow cooker to high and carefully stir in the dry penne or ziti pasta. Cover again and cook for another 15 to 30 minutes, stirring at around 15 minutes to check for doneness. You want the pasta to be al dente, so keep a close eye here — if it starts getting too soft, you’re ready to go! This trick of adding the pasta last means it won’t overcook or get mushy.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Serve

Once the pasta is cooked perfectly, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again and let it sit off heat for about 3 to 5 minutes while the cheese melts into that delicious bubbly blanket we all crave. Then, dig in! I love serving it straight from the slow cooker for casual dinners or scooping it onto plates for a cozy family meal.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Brown Thoroughly: I learned that properly browning the meat and onions adds richness you just can’t get by skipping this step.
Use Low Sodium Broth: Helps control the saltiness since the sauce and cheese already add salt.
Stir Pasta Midway: Stir the pasta at the 15-minute mark to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
Watch Cooking Times: Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy — check early and often once it’s added.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

A white plate filled with three layers of penne pasta dish. The bottom layer shows a chunky red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, visible through the pasta. The second layer consists of pale yellow penne pasta evenly spread across the sauce. The top layer is melted cheese with a creamy texture draped over the pasta, sprinkled with fresh chopped green parsley. A silver fork lifts a portion of the pasta from the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with fresh green parsley in a white bowl nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley to brighten the dish. A little extra grated Parmesan never hurts either – it adds a lovely salty finish and a bit of crunch when broiled briefly, if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Some simple garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad are my go-to sides here, balancing the richness of the ziti with fresh or crunchy textures. Roasted broccoli or a quick green bean sauté works beautifully too if you want a veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins for a cozy, restaurant-style feel. Pair with colorful napkins and fresh herbs on the side to elevate the experience without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this baked ziti reheat wonderfully. I store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a little splash of water or extra sauce prevents the pasta from drying out. I usually warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a loose cover to keep moisture in.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too, which makes it perfect for meal prep. Freeze in portions before you add the cheese topping, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Add fresh mozzarella after reheating to keep that melty goodness fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, which helps maintain texture without drying out the pasta. The microwave works too, but be sure to cover the dish to trap steam and heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti or penne work best because their hollow shapes hold the sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, shells, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as smaller or thinner pasta may cook faster in the slow cooker.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?

While you can skip browning, I highly recommend it for deeper flavor and better texture. Browning the meat and sautéing onions first also helps reduce excess fat and prevents a mealy or bland taste in the final dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking in the slow cooker?

Add the dry pasta towards the end of cooking, once the sauce has developed. Stir gently and check at the 15-minute mark—this lets you catch the pasta perfectly al dente rather than mushy.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything except the pasta a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the pasta and cook when you’re ready. This saves time on busy days but lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe, I was amazed that something so simple could taste so rich and comforting. It’s now my go-to cozy dinner for busy weeks or relaxed weekends because it feels like a treat with minimal effort. I hope you’ll enjoy making this as much as my family and I do. So, grab your slow cooker and give it a try—I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!