One rainy evening I was craving a big plate of cheesy baked pasta but I didn’t feel like turning on the oven or dealing with a sink full of dishes and that’s when I decided to give crockpot baked ziti a try and to my surprise it came out bubbling hot with layers of tender noodles and melty cheese just like I had hoped. That first forkful was so satisfying that I immediately knew this recipe was a keeper.

Now I make this crockpot baked ziti when I want the comfort of lasagna without all the prep and it’s a one-pot wonder that fills the house with incredible aroma and serves up perfectly every time and it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy Sundays when you want something hearty and homemade with very little effort.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Ziti pasta – The hearty base that soaks up the sauce and holds its shape well
Marinara sauce – Adds rich tomato flavor and coats every layer
Ricotta cheese – Brings a creamy and mild flavor to the filling
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds that irresistible cheesy pull
Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp salty flavor and helps with browning
Ground beef or sausage – Adds protein and a savory base to the sauce
Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor and brings aromatic depth
Italian seasoning – Adds classic herb flavor to the dish
Salt and pepper – For seasoning and balancing all the flavors

Tools You’ll Need

Crockpot or slow cooker – Cooks everything low and slow to perfection
Skillet – For browning the meat before adding to the crockpot
Mixing bowl – For combining the cheese mixture
Spoon or spatula – For layering and spreading ingredients evenly
Measuring cups – To portion out the pasta and cheeses

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by browning the ground beef or sausage in a skillet with garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper until fully cooked then I drain the excess grease

Step 2:

In a bowl I mix the ricotta with half of the shredded mozzarella and some parmesan along with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Step 3:

I lightly grease the crockpot insert and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom

Step 4:

Then I begin layering starting with half of the uncooked ziti followed by a portion of the meat then sauce and then dollops of the ricotta mixture and I repeat this layering until everything is used up

Step 5:

I finish with the remaining mozzarella and a final sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top

Step 6:

I cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the pasta is tender and everything is bubbly and melty

Step 7:

Before serving I let it rest for about 10 minutes so it sets up nicely when sliced

Tips

Use penne or rigatoni if you don’t have ziti

If you prefer a vegetarian version skip the meat and add sautéed spinach or mushrooms

Add red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat

Ways to Serve

Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad

Serve it as a main dish for family dinner or potluck

Top with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finishing touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?

No need the uncooked pasta will cook perfectly in the sauce right in the crockpot

Can I freeze leftover crockpot baked ziti?

Yes it freezes well just let it cool completely before storing in airtight containers

Can I use jarred Alfredo instead of marinara?

Sure you can mix things up with a white sauce for a creamy twist

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this crockpot baked ziti a try and it’s cozy cheesy and comforting in all the best ways with almost no work at all. Let me know how it turns out and feel free to get creative with the fillings or sauce!

Happy Cooking!