Quick & Creamy Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe Everyone Will Love

Comfort meets convenience in this delectable crockpot baked ziti that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Pasta lovers understand the magic of a one-pot wonder that simplifies mealtime.

Layers of tender noodles, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients meld together slowly, developing a depth that traditional stovetop methods can’t match.

Cheese pulls and savory aromas will have everyone gathering around the table, eager to dig in.

Let this effortless recipe become your new go-to dinner solution that impresses without stress.

Crockpot Baked Ziti That Practically Cooks Itself

• Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker method allows minimal active preparation, letting you walk away while the ziti develops rich, layered flavors without constant monitoring.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Classic Italian-American dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners where everyone craves hearty, cheesy pasta.
• Customizable Comfort: Easy to adapt with different meats, swap sausage for ground beef, or make vegetarian by adding roasted vegetables, ensuring versatility for various dietary preferences.

Crockpot Baked Ziti Ingredient Set

• Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful meat that adds depth and heartiness to the dish. Opt for mild or spicy based on preference.
• Beef Broth: Enhances overall savory flavor and provides moisture for slow cooking.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and smooth cheese that adds richness and texture. Choose full-fat for best results.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates stringy, gooey layers. Use fresh or low-moisture variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden cheese crust. Select freshly grated for best taste.

• Ziti Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for casseroles. Works well with thick sauces and holds layers nicely.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce with herbs. Select a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle flavor. Use extra virgin for best taste.
• Onion: Provides sweet and aromatic base for the sauce. White or yellow onions work great.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic is recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds authentic Italian flavor. Contains oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that brings fresh, herbal notes. Adds brightness to the finished dish.

Baked Ziti Crockpot Prep Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and develops a rich color.

Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning

Cook until onions become soft and the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Stir in marinara sauce and beef broth.

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Grease the inside of the slow cooker with a light coating.

Spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Build the First Layer

• Ziti pasta
• Dollops of ricotta cheese
• Sauce from the skillet
• Sprinkle of mozzarella
• Sprinkle of Parmesan

Step 6: Create the Final Layer

Repeat the layering process, making sure to end with a generous topping of sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 3-4 hours.

The dish is ready when it’s bubbly and the cheese is completely melted.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Slow Cooker Tips for Baked Ziti

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage with balanced fat content for richer flavor and better texture.
• Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy serving and clean-up.
• Let cheese partially melt during cooking, but add extra fresh cheese in the final 30 minutes for a gorgeous golden-brown top.
• Stick to LOW setting to maintain moisture and prevent pasta from becoming mushy or dry.
• Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options, and use turkey sausage for a leaner protein alternative.

Crockpot Ziti Storage Plan

• Store leftover ziti in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Place ziti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Reheat individual portions in microwave-safe dishes, covering with a damp paper towel. Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Ziti Casserole & Matching Bites

• Pair Wine with Robust Flavor: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty ziti and cuts through its creamy cheese layers.
• Serve Crisp Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the dense crockpot meal.
• Match Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up extra sauce and add a complementary texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Select Refreshing Beverage: Offer a cold Italian-style beer like Peroni or a sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and refresh between rich, cheesy bites of ziti.

Crockpot Ziti With Sauce Changes

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meat-free version that's packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular ziti pasta with gluten-free ziti or penne made from rice or corn. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute ziti with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use a low-carb marinara sauce and reduce cheese quantity to create a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any short tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it okay to use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely. Ground beef works perfectly as an alternative, just make sure to season it with Italian herbs for similar flavor.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the meat with plant-based ground sausage or add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for protein and texture.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the entire dish in the crockpot insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking in the morning for an easy meal.

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot baked ziti brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to your dinner table. Rich pasta layers meld with melted cheeses and savory marinara, creating a soul-warming meal perfect for family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Meats:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

Pasta:

• 1 pound dry ziti pasta (1 box)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Sauce and Liquids:

• 36 ounces (1.02 kilograms) marinara sauce (1 1/2 jars)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) low-sodium beef broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Fat:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh basil (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, creating a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances the meat’s flavor profile.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and aromatic Italian seasoning, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and meld the robust flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Prepare the crockpot by applying a light coating of cooking spray, then spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
5. Construct the first layer by arranging half of the ziti pasta, creating an even foundation for the subsequent ingredients.
6. Delicately dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta, ensuring an even distribution of the creamy cheese.
7. Ladle a generous portion of the prepared sauce across the ricotta, creating a moisture-rich environment for the pasta.
8. Sprinkle a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, allowing for a complex, tangy cheese layer.
9. Repeat the layering process, starting with the remaining ziti and concluding with a final lavish topping of sauce and a blanket of mixed cheeses.
10. Secure the crockpot lid and allow the dish to slowly cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, developing deep, interconnected flavors.
11. Once the ziti reaches a bubbling consistency and the cheese has completely melted, remove from heat.
12. Optional: Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves to introduce a bright, herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Prevent cheese from sticking by using a slow cooker liner or generously greasing the interior with cooking spray.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional ziti with gluten-free pasta varieties like brown rice or chickpea pasta.
• Control sodium levels by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and beef broth, making the dish heart-friendly and dietary-conscious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg