Crockpot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. With layers of cheesy goodness and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is super simple and requires minimal prep. Plus, your slow cooker does all the hard work for you!
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crockpot Baked Ziti means you can enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s great for busy days or cozy family nights. You can throw in whatever ingredients you have on hand, and it always turns out delicious! This recipe is not only tasty but also very flexible, so you can customize it to your family’s liking.
How to Make Crockpot Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions
Prepare the Meat (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or sausage until it is cooked through. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
Assemble in the Crockpot: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. Now start layering! First, add uncooked ziti, then the cooked meat (if using), diced tomatoes, and spinach (if you like). Next, layer in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Keep repeating these layers, ending with a nice layer of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top.
Cook the Ziti: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking for even distribution of sauce and cheese.
Serve and Enjoy: After it’s cooked, let the ziti sit for about 10 minutes to thicken up. You can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley and serve it warm.
How to Serve Crockpot Baked Ziti
Serve Crockpot Baked Ziti hot from the slow cooker. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread. Your family will love digging in!
How to Store Crockpot Baked Ziti
You can easily store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Crockpot Baked Ziti
- Make sure to stir halfway through cooking to ensure everything is well mixed.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, just skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese amounts to suit your taste!
Variation
You can try different types of pasta or switch the marinara sauce for alfredo sauce for a creamier version. The possibilities are endless!
Crockpot Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta uncooked
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef or sausage until it is cooked through. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain any excess fat.
- Assemble in the Crockpot: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the crockpot. Now start layering! First, add uncooked ziti, then the cooked meat (if using), diced tomatoes, and spinach (if you like). Next, layer in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Keep repeating these layers, ending with a nice layer of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top.
- Cook the Ziti: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender. Stir the mixture halfway through cooking for even distribution of sauce and cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: After it’s cooked, let the ziti sit for about 10 minutes to thicken up. You can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley and serve it warm.
Notes
- Make sure to stir halfway through cooking to ensure everything is well mixed.
- If you want to make it vegetarian, just skip the meat and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese amounts to suit your taste!
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FAQs
Q: Can I make this ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: Can I freeze Crockpot Baked Ziti?
A: Absolutely! It freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have ziti pasta?
A: No problem! You can use any other pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or rotini.
