Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is made entirely in the crock pot -no need to cook the pasta separately! This quick and easy dinner is perfect for busy weeknights.

I love slow cooker recipes! I’ve made countless slow cooker dinners and breakfasts and even “baked” rolls in it. Seriously, there isn’t much that a slow cooker can’t do!

This crock pot baked ziti takes a few minutes to put together, but I’ve included tips below to help you prep ahead if needed. It’s also kid-friendly, and it reheats well.

Ingredient notes

Italian sausage: You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken in place of the Italian sausage. If you use a different type of ground meat, you may need to increase the amount of the seasonings.
Bell peppers: Feel free to use different colors of peppers if you prefer.
Diced tomatoes: You can also use diced Italian tomatoes if you would like.
Tomato sauce: I often get questions asking what tomato sauce is. It’s just pureed tomatoes in a can.

How to make slow cooker baked ziti

Some slow cookers have a stovetop setting. If your slow cooker has that setting, you brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in your crock pot.

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Add oil to skillet.

Step 3: Add Italian sausage, and cook until browned. Drain grease if desired.

Onions peppers and browned Italian sausage in a slow cooker insert.

Step 4: Stir in onion and peppers, and cook until vegetables are softened.

Vegetables and Italian sausage cooking in a slow cooker.

Step 5: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and basil. Stir in to combine.

Step 6: Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce into the slow cooker insert.

Step 7: Add ziti to insert, and nestle into the sauce.

Step 8: Pour tomato sauce over pasta, and make sure that noodles are covered in sauce.

Step 9: Turn slow cooker setting to high. Cover, and cook for 3 hours.

Cooked baked ziti in a slow cooker insert.

Step 10: Gently stir pasta.

Step 11: Sprinkle mozzarella over pasta. Cover, and let melt.

Tips

Prep ahead: You can make the recipe through step 7 (making the meat sauce portion) up to 24 hours ahead of time. Cover and chill until ready to continue. Then, just continue with the recipe as-written.
Variations: This is an easy recipe to change to suit your tastes.
- Spicy: You can make it spicier by added red pepper flakes along with the other spices.
- Vegetarian: You can use a meat replacement instead of the Italian sausage.
- Cheesy: You can mix in additional mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese to the pasta before topping it with mozzarella.
- Filling: You can stir in ricotta cheese for a creamier pasta.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use a similar shape of pasta, like penne pasta or mostaccioli, instead of the ziti noodles.

Can I freeze the pasta?

You can freeze the cooked pasta. If you want to use it as a freezer meal, cook the pasta until it’s just barely al dente. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mushy pasta after you thaw/reheat it.

Slow cooker baked ziti with a silver spoon in it.

Serving suggestions

You can sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta just before serving. Baked ziti goes well with a green salad and garlic bread, garlic breadsticks, or homemade garlic knots.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep for up to 4 days when properly stored.

More slow cooker dinner recipes!

If you’ve tried this slow cooker baked ziti recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!

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