Slow Cooker Baked Ziti — Easy Homemade Recipe

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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti — Easy Homemade Recipe

 

Introduction

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights when you want a hearty homemade dinner without extra work. This cheesy pasta recipe combines tender ziti noodles, rich meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella in every bite. Because everything cooks slowly together, the flavors become deeper and more delicious over time. Whether you are feeding a large family or preparing meals ahead for the week, this cozy dish always delivers satisfying results at the dinner table for everyone.

Why You Will Love This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

  • This recipe creates rich Italian flavor with very little hands-on preparation and cleanup afterward.
  • Slow Cooker Baked Ziti stays creamy and cheesy while cooking perfectly in the slow cooker.
  • The leftovers taste even better the next day, making meal prep simple and convenient.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients with sausage, vegetables, or extra cheese for variety.

 

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

 

How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Step by Step

  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Add diced onion and garlic, then cook for three more minutes until fragrant and softened. Drain excess grease before continuing.
  2. In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly so the seasonings distribute evenly throughout the sauce mixture.
  3. Spray the slow cooker lightly with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and keep the pasta moist during cooking.
  4. Add half of the uncooked ziti pasta into the slow cooker. Layer with half of the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, meat mixture, and sauce. Repeat the layers until everything is evenly distributed.
  5. Cover and cook on low heat for four to five hours. Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is ready when the pasta becomes tender and the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
  6. Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest uncovered for ten minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
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