Classic Crockpot Baked Ziti

Nothing says comfort food quite like a big bowl of cheesy, saucy baked ziti. But what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness without even turning on your oven? That’s where this Classic Crockpot Baked Ziti comes in! It’s one of those dump and go crockpot dinners that make life easier—just toss everything in, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come back to a perfectly cooked, cheesy, and hearty pasta dish.

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Classic Crockpot Baked Ziti

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6

Equipment

• Slow cooker at least 6-quart capacity
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups water or broth
• Fresh basil for garnish optional

Instructions

 

Brown the Meat

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.

Prepare the Sauce

1. Add the cooked meat, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
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Add the Pasta

1. Pour the uncooked ziti into the crockpot and mix well to ensure it's evenly coated in the sauce.

Add Water

1. Pour in the water or broth, ensuring all pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cheese it Up

1. About 10 minutes before serving, stir in ricotta cheese, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt.
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Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!

Pairings

This crockpot baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a drink, try a glass of Chianti or a refreshing iced tea to balance the richness of the pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! While ziti is the classic choice, penne or rigatoni work just as well in most crockpot pasta recipes.

2. Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?

Nope! The beauty of this dish is that the pasta cooks right in the sauce, making it one of the easiest crockpot meals you’ll ever make.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.