Name: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 20 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef or ground turkey); 1 small onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 15 ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ¾ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 2 ½ cups water; 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta (or penne pasta); 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that feels like a warm hug, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With its rich tomato sauce, perfectly tender pasta, and melting mozzarella on top, it’s a delicious way to enjoy classic Italian flavors without the fuss of watching over the stove. The slow cooker does all the hard work, bringing out the best in simple ingredients to create a hearty, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There are 13 small and medium white bowls and a clear glass pitcher with water, placed in a loose circle. The bowls contain deep red tomato sauce, shredded white cheese, uncooked light brown pasta, raw brown sausage pieces, minced white onion, diced red tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, and a mixture of dried spices in different shades of brown, green, and black. The colors contrast nicely with the white bowls and the light marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. Simple yet essential, they come together to create a dish that’s both rustic and irresistible.

Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps brown the meat beautifully.
Italian sausage (or ground beef or turkey): Provides a flavorful, savory base that makes the sauce hearty.
Small onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses every bite with that classic Italian aromatic punch.
Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): Forms the robust, chunky base of the sauce.
Diced tomatoes (15-ounce can): Adds texture and brightens the sauce with fresh tomato bits.
Italian seasoning (1 ½ teaspoons): A blend of herbs that perfectly balances the tomato’s acidity.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Enhances the herbal notes essential to Italian cooking.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Lends a sweet, fragrant layer of flavor.
Salt (¾ teaspoon) and black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Season everything to bring out their natural tastes.
Water (2 ½ cups): Helps the pasta cook evenly inside the slow cooker without drying out.
Uncooked ziti pasta (16 ounces): The star that soaks up all those lovely flavors while softening to the perfect bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup or 4 ounces): Melts over the baked ziti for that irresistible, gooey finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your choice of Italian sausage, ground beef, or turkey. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart so the meat crumbles nicely. Then toss in the chopped onion and cook until the meat is fully cooked and the onion softens. Add minced garlic last and stir for a minute more to release that wonderful fragrance. Once done, drain any excess grease—this step ensures your baked ziti won’t be greasy but just perfectly flavorful.

Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked meat and onions to your slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Stir everything together well. At this point, the mixture will seem watery, which is exactly what you need because the pasta cooks right in this sauce, absorbing the liquid and becoming tender and flavorful during the slow cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Sauce

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on high for around 3 hours or on low for approximately 6 hours. This slow simmer allows all those herbs, spices, and meaty goodness to meld, creating a rich, hearty sauce that’s full of warmth and tradition.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

After the sauce has cooked and developed its flavor, stir in the uncooked ziti pasta. Use a spoon to press the pasta gently into the liquid so it cooks evenly. Cover again and cook on high for 15–25 minutes, stirring once after about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta’s tenderness because depending on your slow cooker, cooking times may vary. The pasta will soften perfectly, soaking up all the delicious sauce around it.

Step 5: Finish with Melty Mozzarella

Once the pasta is tender, turn off the slow cooker. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a luscious, golden blanket that pulls apart with joy in every bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with a pasta dish. The first layer at the bottom is short tube pasta coated in a red tomato sauce with small bits of ground meat mixed in. The second layer is a generous sprinkle of shredded white cheese spread unevenly on top of the pasta. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part of this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is its flexibility with garnishes. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish while crushed red pepper flakes can bring a delightful kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Pair your baked ziti with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in a balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up every bit of the luscious tomato sauce. For a light veggie option, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts offer a great contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe straight from the slow cooker at the dinner table, letting everyone help themselves family-style, which always adds to the cozy, communal vibe. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled for a minute to create a crisp cheesy crust that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making reheated portions even more satisfying.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe also freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Remember to label them with the date so you can enjoy this comforting meal anytime you want with minimal effort.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. For a meltier top, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and heat under the broiler for a couple of minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne or rigatoni work just as well because their tube shapes trap the sauce beautifully. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different pastas may vary slightly.

Do I have to brown the meat first?

While you could potentially skip browning, cooking the meat first develops flavor and improves the texture of the final dish. It also prevents excess grease from accumulating in the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to add bulk and flavor. Consider adding a bit of extra seasoning to keep the sauce robust and satisfying.

What if I don’t have mozzarella cheese?

Feel free to substitute with provolone, fontina, or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just pick something that melts well to keep that gooey, cheesy topping everyone loves.

How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked in the slow cooker?

After adding the pasta and cooking on high for 15-25 minutes, test it a couple of times towards the end—tender but with a little bite, or al dente, is ideal. Times can vary based on your slow cooker’s heat level.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is a true game changer when you want a soulful, satisfying dinner with minimal effort. It brings warmth and comfort to the table with classic Italian flavors that are simply unbeatable. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to for busy nights or cozy weekends alike. Trust me, once you’ve experienced how seamlessly everything comes together in the slow cooker, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics