If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your fork into a rich, hearty, and utterly comforting pasta dish without spending hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender penne perfectly cooked right in the sauce, mingling with savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and ooey-gooey melted mozzarella cheese — all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s like a warm hug on a plate that fills your home with irresistible aromas and promises delicious leftovers for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear glass bowls and a jar arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a jar of red pasta sauce with a beige lid. To its right, three small bowls hold dried green herbs, black pepper, and white salt, aligned in a row. Below these, a medium bowl is filled with uncooked yellow penne pasta. Next to it, on the right, another medium bowl contains chunky red tomato sauce. On the far right, a clear measuring cup is filled with a yellow liquid, likely broth. In the bottom row, three small bowls hold raw ground meat with a pinkish color, finely chopped white onions, and shredded white cheese. Lastly, a tiny bowl contains minced garlic on the far right. The whole setup looks organized on the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe relies on a harmony of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Each one plays a crucial role, from the savory ground beef to the tangy tomatoes and the melty mozzarella tops it all off beautifully.

Ground beef: Use lean or regular, but browning it well builds a rich meaty base.
Onion: Finely chopped to add sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Garlic: Minced for that essential savory punch that wakes up all the flavors.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other ingredients perfectly.
Dried basil: Brings a fragrant, herbal note reminiscent of traditional Italian cooking.
Dried parsley: Adds a mild, fresh flavor and a touch of color.
Can of diced tomatoes: With its juicy liquid, it forms the fresh and slightly tangy heart of the sauce.
Marinara sauce: Deepens tomato richness and adds a smooth, saucy texture.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the pasta moist as it cooks while adding subtle savory complexity.
Dry penne or ziti pasta: Preferred shapes for capturing sauce in every bite, they become tender and delicious right in the slow cooker.
Mozzarella cheese: Sharp, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfection for that classic baked 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 with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef along with the finely chopped onion and cook until the meat is browned and the onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes. This step builds the deep flavor foundation that makes the sauce so irresistible.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Salt, and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook them all together for just a minute to release their fragrant aromas, melding perfectly with the savory beef mixture.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef and onion mixture into your 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors before covering with the lid.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Sauce

Let your slow cooker do its magic by cooking the sauce on low for 6 hours for those perfectly developed, slow-simmered flavors. If time is tight, the high setting for 3 hours works too — but nothing beats that low-and-slow richness.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Finish Cooking

After your sauce has simmered, switch the slow cooker to high, stir in the dry penne or ziti pasta, and combine it evenly with the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, checking at the 15-minute mark and stirring gently to ensure the pasta cooks evenly until al dente.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Once your pasta is perfectly tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover and allow it to sit for 3 to 5 minutes so the mozzarella melts into blissful gooeyness that ties the whole dish together.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

A white oval slow cooker filled with a dish showing two main layers; the bottom layer is a thick tomato sauce with visible penne pasta and small bits of ground meat, colored in rich reddish-brown shades; the top layer is an even spread of fine shredded white cheese melting slightly into the sauce below. The slow cooker rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the top adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the hearty baked ziti beautifully. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also elevate each bite with a salty tang.

Side Dishes

This dish loves good company! A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness. Crusty garlic bread or a warm rustic baguette is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your baked ziti family-style in a beautiful ceramic slow cooker insert or a rustic casserole dish to showcase its comforting appeal. For a fun twist, portion it into individual ramekins, add a sprinkle of extra cheese, and broil them briefly for a bubbly, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying.

Freezing

This baked ziti freezes wonderfully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick, comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish loosely with foil to keep the pasta from drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of cheese on top for extra melty goodness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or ziti work best because they hold sauce so well, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini can also be delicious alternatives.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty, meat-free version bursting with flavor.

Can I prepare the ingredients in advance and store them before slow cooking?

You can chop the onion and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge. However, it’s best to brown the beef just before cooking to ensure optimal texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for the oven by layering the browned beef mixture, sauce, pasta, and cheese in a casserole dish and baking covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Can I add extra cheese types to this recipe?

Definitely! Mixing in some Parmesan or Romano cheese adds a lovely sharpness, while a bit of ricotta stirred into the sauce can make the ziti extra creamy and indulgent.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe is truly a game changer for busy nights or whenever you crave something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying. It’s a comforting, hands-off dinner that feels like a special occasion every time. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple on your weekly menu — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!