Delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for Easy Dinners

Name: Delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for Easy Dinners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 20 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef or ground turkey); 1 small onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes; 15 ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ¾ teaspoon salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper; 2 ½ cups water; 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta (or penne pasta); 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

by Fenna Saul

January 8, 2026

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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti has a special place in my heart. Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for hearty Italian dishes, and baked ziti was a favorite. The aroma of melted cheese and rich tomato sauce filled our home, making it impossible to resist. Today, this Slow Cooker Ziti Recipe brings back those cherished memories while offering a convenient and easy way to prepare a comforting meal. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, comforting flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Family-friendly and great for serving a crowd.
Customizable with various proteins and veggies.
Budget-friendly, using pantry staples.
Can be made as a Vegetarian Slow Cooker Baked Ziti for a healthy twist.
Perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Easy to clean up, thanks to the slow cooker.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Here’s everything you need for this hearty Slow Cooker Pasta Dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the meat and veggies.
1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef or ground turkey) – adds rich flavor.
1 small onion, chopped – for sweetness and depth of flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced – enhances the dish with aromatic goodness.
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes – forms the base of the sauce.
15 ounce can diced tomatoes – adds texture and freshness.
1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs for classic Italian flavor.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – complements the tomato sauce.
1 teaspoon dried basil – adds a touch of sweetness.
¾ teaspoon salt – balances flavors.
⅛ teaspoon black pepper – for a subtle kick.
2 ½ cups water – helps to cook the pasta.
16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta (or penne pasta) – the star of the dish.
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, melty topping.

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook while crumbling the meat for 3-4 minutes. Add chopped onion and cook until the sausage is browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 2: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and water. Stir together thoroughly. The mixture will appear liquidy, but the pasta will absorb the moisture during cooking.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for about 3 hours or on low for about 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to simmer gently.
Step 4: Stir in the uncooked ziti pasta, pressing it down to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue cooking on high for 15-25 minutes. Stir once after 15 minutes for even cooking. Note that cooking time may vary based on your slow cooker settings.
Step 5: When the pasta is tender, turn off the slow cooker to prevent mushiness.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot.

Delicious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with melted cheese and rich tomato sauce, ready to serve for an easy dinner

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

These tips will ensure your Baked Ziti in a Slow Cooker turns out perfectly every time:

Use a quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
Feel free to add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Don’t skip the resting time after cooking to let the cheese melt.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?

The secret lies in the Slow Cooker Cheesy Baked Ziti technique of letting the pasta absorb the sauce slowly, creating a perfect texture. Adding the cheese at the end ensures it melts beautifully.

Can I make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the cooking step and refrigerate overnight. Just add a little extra cooking time if it’s cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Baked Ziti?

Avoid overcooking the pasta by checking for tenderness before turning off the slow cooker. Also, be cautious not to add too much liquid, as the pasta will absorb moisture.

Close-up of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti showing gooey melted mozzarella cheese and ziti pasta

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. You’ll love how the flavors complement each other!

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

Calories: 400
Protein: 20g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

To store your Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Meat, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free version of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti.

What can I substitute for meat in this recipe?

I recommend using lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also try a mix of vegetables to add flavor.

Can I prepare it without a slow cooker?

Of course! You can bake it in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes. Just follow the same layering process.

Variations of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti You Can Try

For a twist on this classic, consider making a Creamy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti by adding a layer of cream cheese or ricotta. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add herbs for a unique flavor. Whether you choose a Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Baked Ziti or Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Spinach, the possibilities are endless!