If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that fills the house with the most amazing aromas, then you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe. I absolutely love this because it takes all the fuss out of a classic baked pasta dish—no boiling pasta, no oven needed—and you still get all those layers of rich, cheesy, meaty goodness. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become your go-to slow cooker meal, especially on busy weeknights when you want dinner done with minimal effort but maximum flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Comfort Food: You get classic baked ziti flavors without the oven or boiling pasta separately.
Perfect for Busy Days: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and forget about it until dinner time.
Family Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this cheesy, hearty dish every single time.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily customize with your favorite herbs, sauces, or cheese to suit your taste.

A white plate filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is a chunky red tomato sauce with bits of cooked ground meat and small pieces of tomato, the middle layer is yellow penne pasta mixed into the sauce, and the top layer is melted light yellow cheese spread unevenly over the pasta, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. A silver fork holds a bite of pasta on the right side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a bowl of chopped green herbs in the upper right corner and fresh green parsley leaves in the upper left corner, along with a black and white striped cloth near the bottom left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe come together so beautifully. I love how the meat, seasoning, and tomato base create a rich sauce that infuses the pasta as it cooks right in the slow cooker. When shopping, I recommend choosing good-quality marinara and fresh herbs if you can—it really lifts the whole dish.

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for nice flavor and a bit of fat to keep the sauce rich.
Onion: Finely chopped so it cooks down evenly and blends into the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds the best punch of flavor here.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
Dried basil: Gives that classic Italian herb aroma without overpowering.
Dried parsley: Adds a mild freshness and color.
Diced tomatoes (canned, with liquid): Use whole or diced, just make sure it has the juice for sauce richness.
Marinara sauce: Quality marinara makes a big difference—choose one with good herbs and no added sugar.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful yet not too salty; you control the salt levels better this way.
Dry penne or ziti pasta: No need to pre-cook! The slow cooker does the work, but pick a pasta that holds up well to slow cooking.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that ooey-gooey finish we all crave.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Once you master the base, feel free to play around with different proteins, veggies, or cheeses. It’s your dish—make it your own!

Vegetarian version: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a meatless delight that still feels hearty.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeño while cooking for a little heat—my family loves a mild kick.
Cheese swaps: Try mixing mozzarella with fontina or provolone for richer melty textures.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta—just be sure to keep an eye on cooking time as some pastas can soften faster.

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics

I like to start by cooking the ground beef and finely chopped onion together in a large skillet over medium-high heat—about 5 minutes until everything is nicely browned. This step builds tons of flavor. Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic, salt, basil, and parsley, cooking just one more minute so the garlic doesn’t burn but releases its fragrance. Trust me, skipping this step means missing out on that rich depth.

Step 2: Combine everything in the slow cooker

After browning, transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the entire can of diced tomatoes (including the liquid), marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to mix all those flavors together evenly. If you’re anything like me, this is the moment your kitchen begins to smell like Italian heaven.

Step 3: Slow cook the sauce base

Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours—or if you’re short on time, use the high setting for 3 hours. This slow cooking lets all those flavors meld perfectly. I’ve found that slow cooking the sauce first really makes the difference between a decent pasta and one that tastes like it simmered for hours on the stove.

Step 4: Add the pasta and finish cooking

Once your sauce is ready, turn the slow cooker to high. Add the dry pasta directly into the pot and stir it in so it’s fully coated with the sauce. Cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your slow cooker’s heat and your pasta shape, stirring at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking. You’ll want to watch closely here so your pasta ends up nicely al dente and not mushy.

Step 5: Melt the cheese and serve

Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top, cover again, and let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts into that luscious, gooey layer that makes baked ziti unforgettable. Then dive right in—this is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, if you manage to save leftovers!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Brown the meat first: This adds flavor and reduces excess grease in the slow cooker, which can water down the sauce.
Use the low setting for best flavor: Slow and low lets herbs and spices develop fully, but the high setting works well if you’re in a pinch.
Stir pasta halfway through cooking: This prevents clumping and ensures even cooking.
Don’t overcook pasta: Check at 15 minutes to avoid mushy pasta; it should be just tender but still hold its shape.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a baked pasta dish that has two main layers. The bottom layer is made of penne pasta mixed with a chunky tomato sauce and ground meat, giving a rich reddish-brown color with bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. The top layer is a melted cheese golden to light brown, covering the pasta evenly with some spots of browning. A wooden spoon is lifting a scoop of the pasta mixture, showing the layers and the shine of the melted cheese and tomato sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley to brighten it up and give it that fresh herb kick. A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top right before serving also adds a nice salty, nutty contrast. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil over the top can add a lovely silky finish.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like to serve this baked ziti with a crisp green salad—something with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are always a hit too because who doesn’t want extra carbs with carbs? Roasted vegetables like broccoli or a simple sautéed spinach work well if you want something a little lighter on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or potlucks, I sometimes bake this slow cooker ziti in a casserole dish after slow cooking—to get a bubbly, golden baked top beneath the cheese. It’s impressive but still easy! You can also serve individual portions right in cute mini cocottes or ramekins for a fancy touch that makes guests feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are fantastic with this recipe. I like to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta continues to soak up the sauce flavors, so it actually tastes even better the next day. Just keep the cheese topping separate if you plan to reheat so it stays fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slow cooker baked ziti a few times with great success. Portion out individual servings into freezer-safe containers or bags, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat directly from frozen on low heat, stirring gently to redistribute moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, I typically use the microwave for convenience, covering the dish loosely and stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if it looks dry. Finish with fresh cheese or herbs for a just-cooked vibe.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef in this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly as a leaner alternative. Just brown the meat as you would with beef, and be mindful that leaner meat can dry out a bit quicker. Adding a bit of olive oil or extra sauce can keep it juicy and flavorful.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta for this slow cooker recipe?

Nope! This recipe is designed so that you add the dry pasta straight into the slow cooker toward the end of cooking. The pasta cooks in the sauce, absorbing all those wonderful flavors. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! You can prepare the meat sauce base in the slow cooker the day before, then add pasta and cheese when you’re ready to finish cooking. Alternatively, fully cook the entire recipe and reheat when needed—the flavors improve after resting overnight.
How do I prevent my baked ziti from getting watery in the slow cooker?

Great question! To keep things from getting watery, avoid adding too much extra liquid beyond the broth and the canned ingredients. Also, browning the meat first helps reduce excess grease. Finally, adding dry pasta later in cooking minimizes extra starches leaking out.

Final Thoughts

I discovered this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe when I was desperate for an easy meal that didn’t compromise on flavor, and it quickly became a favorite in my house. It’s one of those recipes you can set and forget, then come home to a bubbling, cheesy delight that feels like a homemade hug. If you love cozy Italian dinners but want to save time and effort, this one is definitely worth trying—your slow cooker, and your dinner guests, will thank you.