If you’ve ever dreamed of a comfort meal that practically makes itself, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s a brilliant twist on a classic Italian favorite, where tender pasta cooks to perfection in a rich, savory tomato and beef sauce all day long. The melty mozzarella on top adds the perfect cheesy finish, making every bite warm, satisfying, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some hearty home-cooked goodness, this recipe brings flavor and convenience together like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is the secret to this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe’s success. Each element plays a big role in creating a sauce that’s full-bodied, pasta that’s perfectly tender, and a finishing touch that brings it all together with gooey cheesiness.
- 1 pound ground beef: The rich base that adds heartiness and savory depth to the dish.
- 1 onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and aromatic backbone to complement the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced): Adds a punch of fragrant flavor essential in Italian cooking.
- 1½ teaspoons salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors throughout the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings an earthy, slightly sweet herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a fresh, mild taste that brightens the sauce.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28oz or 798ml): The juicy base for the sauce that keeps it luscious and slightly chunky.
- 2½ cups marinara sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and adds a seasoned richness.
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and helps pasta cook slowly to tender bliss.
- 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340g): The star pasta that holds onto that sauce, soaking up all the good stuff.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty finishing touch that brings gooey, cheesy wonder to your plate.
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and finely chopped onion, cooking and stirring until the beef is fully browned and the onions soften, about 5 minutes. This step is key because it builds a rich foundation of flavor and ensures the beef is cooked through before it goes into the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, toss in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Stir everything together for about 1 minute to let their wonderful aromas bloom and blend with the beef. This fragrant mix sets the savory tone for the slow-cooked sauce that’s about to come.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Once your beef mixture is ready, move it carefully into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with all their flavorful liquid, the marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir to combine every element evenly, promising a sauce that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, depending on your time frame. This slow simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully while the sauce thickens into a perfect consistency, turning the mixture into a savory, comforting hug in a pot.
Step 5: Add Pasta
Switch your slow cooker to high and gently stir in the dry penne or ziti pasta. Cover and let it cook between 15 to 30 minutes until the pasta is just al dente. Be sure to check at 15 minutes, stirring to keep the pasta from sticking and making sure it cooks evenly throughout.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt
Once the pasta is tender and ready, turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, then cover again for 3 to 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a rich, gooey topping that’s simply irresistible and makes the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe shine.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra burst of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper to awaken the flavors even more!
Side Dishes
The cozy layers of this baked ziti pair beautifully with crisp green salads drizzled with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds out the meal by adding a toasty, buttery crunch that’s perfect for mopping up the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins and top each with fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking a few extra minutes for a colorful, edible bowl that impresses your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. This baked ziti keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for easy reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or covered in a low-temperature oven until warmed through. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to restore its creamy texture and keep that sauce perfectly saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti or penne are recommended because they hold sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, shells, or even rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some pasta shapes may cook faster or slower.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?
No, the beauty of this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is that the dry pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Just make sure to stir it well when adding and cook until al dente.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for your favorite plant-based meat substitute or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep all the savory goodness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, and confirm your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The slow cooker method works just as well with these substitutions.
What’s the best way to get a crispy top on this slow cooker baked ziti?
If you love a bubbly, slightly crisp cheese topping, transfer the cooked ziti into a baking dish and broil it in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes just before serving. Watch closely to avoid burning!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about coming home to the aroma of this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe gently bubbling away all day. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, blending simple ingredients into a hearty, cheesy, and utterly comforting meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes whenever you crave effortless Italian-inspired comfort. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines browned ground beef, aromatic herbs, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth with tender slow-cooked pasta. Topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese, it’s perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that serves six and delivers rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28 oz / 798 ml)
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 4 cups dry penne or ziti pasta (340 g)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until browned, about 5 minutes. This step develops flavor and ensures the beef is fully cooked before slow cooking.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, dried basil, and dried parsley. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release their aromas and blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture into a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the canned diced tomatoes with liquid, marinara sauce, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken perfectly.
- Add Pasta: Turn the slow cooker temperature to high. Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, checking and stirring at the 15-minute mark to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook until the pasta is al dente.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Remove the slow cooker from heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish, but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
- Stir the pasta halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the pasta sooner to prevent overcooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
