The Coziest Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe for Stress-Free Dinner

Crafting a mouthwatering crock pot baked ziti promises comfort and convenience in one delightful dish.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort.

Layers of melted cheese, savory sauce, and tender noodles create a hearty experience for anyone seeking a delicious dinner solution.

Busy home cooks appreciate how this recipe minimizes kitchen time while maximizing flavor potential.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully creamy, the dish brings warmth to your evening meal.

Grab a fork and prepare to indulge in a classic Italian-inspired comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Baked Ziti

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a hearty, classic Italian-American dish that brings families together with its rich, cheesy goodness and satisfying flavors.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Brown meat, mix sauce, layer ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, making this recipe a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this ziti adapts easily to different occasions and feeding multiple hungry mouths.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients For Crock Pot Baked Ziti

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the ziti.
• Ziti Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding sauce and creating a comforting texture.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The base of the sauce that adds a fresh, tangy foundation to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses create a melty, creamy layer that adds depth and richness to the ziti.
• Sour Cream: Provides a smooth, tangy element that enhances the overall creaminess of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic ingredients build a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Oregano, Basil, Parsley: Classic Italian herbs that bring authentic and vibrant flavor to the ziti.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Tomato Paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

How To Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it turns brown and crispy. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring until the onions become translucent and soft.

Step 2: Create Robust Tomato Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta

Boil ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta completely, shaking off excess water.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Mix the cooked ziti thoroughly with the prepared tomato sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is well-coated.

Step 5: Layer in Crock Pot

• Ziti and sauce mixture
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Dollops of sour cream

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and cook on Low setting for 4 to 6 hours. The result will be a creamy, bubbling pasta dish with melted cheese and deep, comforting flavors.

Helpful Notes For Crock Pot Baked Ziti

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure the ziti maintains a perfect texture in the crock pot.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for protein.
• Fresh herbs can elevate the sauce's taste – use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried if available.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time by browning meat and chopping vegetables earlier in the day to streamline cooking process.

Creative Twists For Crock Pot Baked Ziti

• Spicy Southwestern Ziti: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo, add diced green chilies, and swap herbs for cumin and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Ziti: Substitute ground beef with roasted eggplant and zucchini. Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh spinach. Use marinara sauce with Mediterranean herbs.
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Ziti: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef. Replace tomato sauce with alfredo sauce, add roasted garlic, and mix in baby spinach. Sprinkle with Parmesan and Romano cheese blend.
• Seafood Ziti Casserole: Swap ground beef for cooked shrimp and crab meat.

Perfect Sides With Crock Pot Baked Ziti

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese perfectly complements the rich, meaty tomato sauce, enhancing the ziti's deep flavors and cutting through its creamy texture.
• Create Fresh Herb Salad: Toss mixed greens with basil, arugula, and light vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish, adding bright, crisp notes that cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Garlic Focaccia Bread: Warm, crusty focaccia with olive oil and herbs provides a delightful crunchy side that soaks up extra sauce and adds textural contrast to the creamy ziti.

How To Store Crock Pot Baked Ziti

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ziti in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply brown it the same way as ground beef.

• Do I need to pre-cook the ziti before adding to the crock pot?

Yes, cook the ziti according to package directions and drain before mixing with the sauce. This ensures the pasta is properly cooked and absorbs the flavors.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish, let it cool completely, and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular ziti with gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Crock Pot Baked Ziti brings Italian-inspired magic to weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Cheesy layers of pasta, rich marinara, and melted mozzarella create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) ziti pasta
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Meat and Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (28 ounce / 794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce / 170 grams) can tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup (227 grams) sour cream

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, then incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until vegetables become translucent.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and classic Italian herbs, allowing the sauce to simmer and develop rich flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Prepare ziti pasta according to package instructions, ensuring to drain thoroughly after cooking.
4. Gently fold cooked ziti into the prepared meat sauce, creating an even coating on the pasta.
5. Generously grease the crock pot interior to prevent sticking.
6. Create alternating layers within the crock pot: first the ziti and meat sauce mixture, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese, distribute mozzarella cheese, and delicately add dollops of sour cream.
7. Secure the crock pot lid and set to low temperature, allowing the dish to slowly cook and meld flavors for 4 to 6 hours.
8. Before serving, let the ziti rest for 10-15 minutes to help set and enhance overall texture.

Notes

• Customize meat options by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while simmering for a rich, complex taste profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free ziti or replacing pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Prevent cheese from burning by placing a layer of aluminum foil between the lid and the crock pot during slow cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 477 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg