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Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe
Ben Carraoli

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

When I first made this Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe, I honestly didn’t expect it to be this easy and delicious. I was looking for something simple but hearty, like my go-to Chicken Pot Pie Casserole Recipe, but with pasta. The best part? It took minimal effort, yet the result tasted like something you'd get from a cozy Italian restaurant.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ziti pasta – Uncooked and straight into the slow cooker! No need to pre-boil.
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage – Adds rich savory flavor. Sausage brings a bit of spice, while beef keeps it classic.
  • 1 jar marinara sauce – Choose a good-quality sauce or use homemade for deeper flavor.
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese – Creamy and rich it gives the dish that classic ziti texture.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and gives a gooey cheesy top layer.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty depth and a slight crust on top.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to elevate the overall taste.

Method
 

  1. Start by browning your ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up as it cooks, and once it's browned through, drain the excess fat. This helps keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
  2. Add a generous spoonful of marinara sauce to the bottom of the crockpot. This helps prevent the pasta from sticking and starts the layering process with flavor.
  3. Now it’s time to layer like lasagna. Add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, cooked meat, and a little more marinara. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up.
  4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. This will melt into a golden, bubbly finish that you’ll love scooping into.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. You'll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted.