Prepare to say “YUM!” because this Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe is an absolute winner! Imagine tender ziti pasta, rich spaghetti sauce, and a decadent blend of cheeses, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, delivering a hearty meal that’s just as delicious the next day as leftovers. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a comforting experience waiting to happen.
Effortless Crock Pot Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Family Comfort Food
In the world of comfort food, few dishes rival the beloved baked ziti. But what if we told you that you could achieve all that cheesy, pasta goodness with minimal fuss, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker? This Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe is designed for ease without compromising on flavor, making it an instant classic for busy households.
This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for large family gatherings, potlucks, or simply ensuring you have plenty of delightful leftovers for the week ahead. We often portion out the extras into individual reusable containers, transforming them into convenient, ready-to-go lunches that make weekday meals a breeze. And yes, a secret confession: it’s even surprisingly good cold!
For those who adore the simple pleasures of cheese and pasta, this dish truly hits the spot. There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of pasta, and when it’s loaded with a creamy cheese mixture and simmered in a savory sauce, it’s pure bliss. Get ready to discover your new favorite crock pot recipe!
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Baked Ziti?
Using a slow cooker for baked ziti transforms a traditional oven-baked dish into an incredibly convenient, hands-off meal. The prolonged, gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. Here are some compelling reasons to embrace your slow cooker for this pasta masterpiece:
- Unbeatable Convenience: Simply layer your ingredients, set it, and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the work, freeing up your time for other tasks.
- Rich Flavor Development: The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the pasta and allows the sauce and cheeses to infuse every bite, resulting in a more robust and satisfying flavor profile.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors and resulting in a wonderfully tender texture without becoming mushy.
- Less Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, significantly reducing the amount of dishes you’ll have to wash.
- Consistent Warmth: Your slow cooker keeps the ziti warm for extended periods, making it perfect for serving during staggered mealtimes or keeping warm for a party.
Key Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Crafting this delicious baked ziti requires a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cottage Cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the cheese mixture, contributing to the classic baked ziti texture. For an even richer result, you can substitute with ricotta cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty, and savory depth to the cheese layers. Freshly grated is always best for maximum flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the cottage cheese mixture, helping it set beautifully during cooking.
- Parsley Flakes: Offers a touch of herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish. Fresh parsley, finely chopped, can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
- Minced Garlic: Essential for building a robust flavor foundation. You can use dried minced garlic, garlic powder, or fresh minced garlic for a stronger aroma.
- Pepper and Salt: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal taste.
- Spaghetti Sauce: The backbone of this dish. Using two jars ensures enough sauce to coat all the pasta and cheese layers, preventing dryness and making for better leftovers. Choose your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
- Ziti Pasta: The namesake pasta for this dish. Its tube shape is perfect for catching and holding the sauce and cheese. Uncooked pasta is key, as it will cook slowly in the sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to create that iconic gooey, stretchy top layer. Part-skim or whole-milk mozzarella both work wonderfully.
Customizing Your Baked Ziti
One of the best aspects of this Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or simply to try new variations.
Making it Meat-Friendly or Vegetarian
This recipe is designed to be a delicious vegetarian option, focusing on the rich flavors of pasta, sauce, and cheese. However, if you’re a meat lover, it’s incredibly simple to add a savory meat component:
- Ground Beef: Brown a pound of ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option) with onions and garlic, drain any excess fat, and then layer it into the ziti along with the sauce and cheese mixture.
- Italian Sausage: For a spicier, more flavorful kick, brown Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on preference) and incorporate it into the layers.
- Meat-Based Sauce: Save yourself a step by using a pre-made meat-based spaghetti sauce instead of a plain tomato sauce.
For a strictly vegetarian crockpot recipe, ensure your spaghetti sauce is meat-free and consider adding a layer of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
The Sauce Factor
Initially, this recipe might have called for one jar of tomato sauce, but through extensive testing, we’ve found that two jars make a significant difference. Using two jars ensures a richer, more flavorful pasta dish that stays moist and delicious, especially when reheating. It also provides ample liquid for the uncooked pasta to absorb as it cooks. Feel free to use your favorite brand of marinara, tomato, or spaghetti sauce.
Pasta Perfection: Ziti or Penne?
While ziti noodles are traditional for this dish, sometimes they can be hard to find. Don’t let that stop you from making this incredible meal! You can easily substitute ziti noodles with penne pasta. Penne’s similar tubular shape and ridges are excellent for capturing the sauce and cheese. The key is to use uncooked pasta, as it will absorb the flavors of the sauce as it softens in the slow cooker.
Cheese Choices
Our recipe calls for cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, a classic combination that delivers on creaminess, tang, and melt. If you prefer, ricotta cheese can be used in place of cottage cheese for a slightly different texture and flavor profile. For an extra decadent touch, consider adding a sprinkle of provolone or fontina cheese to the top layer for more complex flavor and melt.
Essential Tips for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Success
Achieving the perfect Crock Pot Baked Ziti is easy with a few helpful hints and tricks:
Prepping Your Slow Cooker
To ensure effortless cleanup and prevent sticking, we highly recommend spraying your slow cooker insert generously with a non-stick cooking spray before you begin layering. This simple step will save you a lot of scrubbing later on.
Serving and Storing Leftovers
This baked ziti is fantastic for leftovers! You can easily reheat individual portions in the microwave. For an extra burst of cheesy goodness, we often add a little more shredded mozzarella cheese on top before reheating. It melts into a delicious, gooey layer, making your leftovers taste just as fresh as the first serving.
Serving directly from the slow cooker is another great tip. Not only does it keep the ziti warm for second helpings, but it also creates a cozy, inviting presentation. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
What pairs better with a rich, cheesy pasta dish than warm, crusty bread? We love serving this baked ziti with our favorite super amazing garlic bread. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a perfect accompaniment, cutting through the richness of the pasta and adding a refreshing crunch.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Follow these simple instructions to create your own delicious slow cooker baked ziti:
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley flakes, minced garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. This forms the creamy, flavorful heart of your ziti.
- First Layer in the Slow Cooker: Pour about half of one jar of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of your greased crock pot, spreading it evenly. This creates a base that prevents sticking and adds initial flavor. Top with half of your uncooked ziti pasta, spreading it as evenly as possible. Then, spoon half of the prepared cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, dotting it across the surface. Finish this layer with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering process. Pour the remaining half of the first spaghetti sauce jar (or the first half of the second jar if using two distinct jars) over the mozzarella. Add the remaining uncooked pasta, followed by the rest of the cottage cheese mixture, and another sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Final Sauce and Cooking: Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the very top of your layered ziti. This ensures the top pasta layers cook properly and creates a rich, saucy finish. Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for approximately 3 ½ hours. The pasta should be tender.
- The Grand Finale: After 3 ½ hours, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti. Cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until the mozzarella is beautifully melted and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the baked ziti stand for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the pasta to set slightly and makes for easier scooping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Do I need to boil the ziti pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, one of the beauties of this slow cooker recipe is that you use uncooked ziti pasta. The pasta will cook directly in the spaghetti sauce, absorbing all the flavors and becoming wonderfully tender. This eliminates an extra step and makes the recipe even easier!
Can I freeze Crock Pot Baked Ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes wonderfully! Once the ziti has cooled completely, you can portion it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of extra sauce or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.
What kind of slow cooker is best for this recipe?
A 6-quart (or larger) oval-shaped slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe, as it provides ample space for layering the ingredients evenly. However, a round 6-quart slow cooker can also be used, just be mindful of distributing the layers. Ensure your slow cooker is deep enough to accommodate all the layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Can I add vegetables to this baked ziti?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be layered into the ziti. If adding raw vegetables with high water content (like zucchini), you might want to pre-sauté them lightly to remove excess moisture and prevent the dish from becoming watery.
How long does the Crock Pot Baked Ziti last in the refrigerator?
Leftover Crock Pot Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It makes for excellent meal prep, providing several convenient and delicious meals throughout the week.
More Delicious Crockpot Pasta Recipes to Try
If you love the ease and flavor of slow cooker pasta dishes, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic crockpot pasta recipes:
- Crock Pot Mushroom Pasta Casserole
- Crock Pot Cheesy Pasta Beef Casserole
- Crock Pot Taco Pasta
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Casserole
- Crock Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Explore more amazing recipes, including our copycat recipes, delightful dessert recipes, and an entire collection of Crock Pot Recipes.
Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
How to make delicious Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe in the slow cooker with minimal effort.
No ratings yet
15 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 15 minutes
8
403 kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cottage Cheese
- 2 Tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Parsley Flakes
- 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic (Dried)
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt and pepper to taste
- 56 oz Spaghetti Sauce (2 jars)
- 16 oz ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Combine cottage cheese, Parmesan Cheese, egg, Parsley Flakes, Garlic, Pepper and Salt in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Pour ½ bottle of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of your greased crock pot. Top with ½ of the uncooked pasta. Spoon ½ of the cottage cheese mixture over the pasta, then top with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat for an additional layer: pour the remaining spaghetti sauce (from the first jar or starting the second), then the rest of the uncooked pasta, followed by the remaining cottage cheese mix, and another layer of mozzarella. Pour the rest of the spaghetti sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 ½ hours.
- After 3 ½ hours, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 99
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Recipe originally shared on November 21, 2014. Updated October 2020 and revised for SEO and clarity in 2024.