Crockpot Baked Ziti
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My Crockpot Baked Ziti is the ultimate foolproof recipe for cheesy, hearty comfort food, packed with bold Italian flavors. With my tested method, you’ll get perfectly tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, and gooey melted cheese every single time — no guesswork, just reliable, delicious results.
The Best Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Crockpot Baked Ziti takes everything you love about classic baked ziti and makes it even easier. Let’s be honest, some slow cooker pasta recipes leave you with mushy noodles and a soupy mess. That’s why I tested and perfected this recipe to make sure it turns out just right, so you don’t have to worry about trial and error. The result? Pasta perfection!
This isn’t just another baked ziti recipe. You’ll only need a few minutes of prep work to get this dish going. Simply layer the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. You’ll get tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella in every bite. Whether it’s for an easy weeknight dinner or a potluck, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.
If you prefer a traditional oven-baked version, I’ve got you covered! This Baked Ziti with Sausage is a classic the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love My Baked Ziti Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – With only 10-15 minutes of prep, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, making it an ideal set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy families.
- No pre-boiling required – Many baked ziti recipes call for pre-cooking the pasta, but my crockpot version lets the dry pasta cook directly in the sauce, saving time and reducing dishes.
- Rich, layered flavor – Browning the Italian sausage with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor, giving the dish a savory depth that simple dump-and-go recipes often lack.
- Creamy and cheesy – The addition of ricotta cheese mixed directly into the crockpot creates a creamy texture throughout, while the two layers of mozzarella (mixed in and melted on top) add a perfect cheesy finish.
Ingredients for Baked Ziti
- Penne pasta or ziti pasta – Both work great and cook to tender perfection in the crockpot.
- Ground Italian sausage – Adds hearty, meaty flavor and richness to the dish.
- Yellow onion, chopped – Sweet and savory, that blends perfectly with the sausage.
- Cloves of garlic, minced – A must-have for authentic Italian flavors.
- Italian seasoning – Enhances every layer of this dish.
- Pasta sauce – Use your favorite marinara sauce, spaghetti sauce, or even tomato sauce.
- Ricotta cheese – Adds creaminess to the cheesy layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melty, gooey goodness for the ultimate topping.
- Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color. You could also use fresh basil.
How to Make Easy Baked Ziti in The Slow Cooker
Step One: Brown the Sausage
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage. Just before it is finished, add the onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and cook 2-3 minutes more.
Step Two: Add the Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Add the sausage mixture to the bottom of your slow cooker with the uncooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and 1 3/4 cups of the mozzarella cheese (reserve 1/4 for topping).
- Pour in the jar of pasta sauce.
- Mix well to combine all of the ingredients.
Step Three: Cook Until the Noodles are Tender
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, until noodles are al dente.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over top and let cook until the cheese is melted.
- Stir the layers gently before serving to ensure every bite is perfectly cheesy.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often while cooking; it can affect the cook time and pasta texture.
- Use nonstick cooking spray to keep the pasta from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker.
- Use a slow cooker liner to make cleanup even easier.
- Before serving, stir gently to distribute the cheese mixture evenly over all the cooked noodles.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Spices – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Extra cheese – Sprinkle a little grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving.
- Ricotta – Swap half the ricotta for cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Veggie – Toss in a handful of spinach or diced bell peppers for a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
- Marinara sauce swap – Use your favorite homemade sauce or add half a jar of alfredo sauce for variety.
- Ground beef – Substitute the sausage with ground beef for a classic meat sauce option.
- Whole wheat pasta – For a healthier twist, use whole wheat penne of ziti noodles.
If you’re looking for a traditional oven baked ziti try our version that’s made with sausage.
Storage Instructions for Crock Pot Ziti
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
How To Freeze Leftovers
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions of these cheesy baked ziti in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
We love to serve our homemade breadsticks (Olive Garden copycat) with this dinner and a side salad to complete the meal.
FAQs
Garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of this hearty meal. A medley of oven-roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini is an easy and healthy side.
No, the uncooked dry pasta will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Absolutely. Cottage cheese works as a budget-friendly substitute.
More Great Pasta Recipes from Balancing Motherhood
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Crockpot Smokies
- Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
- Crockpot Beef Stew
- Simple Slow Cooker Chili
- Crockpot Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken
- Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore
Crockpot Baked Ziti (No Pre-Boiling)
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta or ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1/2 yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 48 ounces pasta sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage. Just before it is finished, add the onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and cook 2-3 minutes more.1 pound ground Italian sausage, 1/2 yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- To your crockpot, add the sausage mixture, dry pasta, ricotta cheese, and 1 3/4 cups of the mozzarella cheese (reserve 1/4 for topping).1 pound penne pasta, 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Pour over the pasta sauce.48 ounces pasta sauce
- Mix well to combine all of the ingredients.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours, until noodles are al dente.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over top and let cook until the cheese is melted.fresh parsley
Nutrition
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