Crock Pot Baked Ziti

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is an easy and delicious weeknight dinner. It's a great way to use up leftover pasta, and it's perfect for feeding a large crowd. The best part is that it only takes about 10 minutes to prep, and the crockpot does all the work for you!

Looking for an easy dinner that the whole family will love? Try Crock Pot Baked Ziti! This classic Italian dish contains ground beef, onions, garlic, pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions. 

• Ground beef
• Diced yellow onion
• Minced garlic cloves
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Pasta sauce (we like Rao's)
• Can diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Ziti pasta noodles
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parsley (for garnish)

You will also need the following supplies:

• Crockpot
• Skillet
• Spatula (for browning beef)
• Large Spoon 
• Cutting Board
• Knife (for cutting onions and garlic)

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT ZITI

Cook. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and drain any excess grease.

Add the onions, garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray

Transfer the ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker and add the pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, and broth.

Stir to combine before covering, and cook on the low setting for 5 hours or high for 3 hours.

During the last hour, switch the crockpot to high (if it's not already there) and add the ziti pasta noodles, stir to combine, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Finish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and cook until the cheese has melted about 10-15 minutes.

Garnish with parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Here's how to make sure your crock pot baked ziti recipe turns out perfect!

• Use ground beef that's at least 80/20, so it doesn't end up dry.
• I prefer using Rao's pasta sauce, but you can use any kind you like or have on hand.
• If you want a little extra flavor, mix in some Parmesan cheese to the meat sauce.
• Use ground turkey or sausage in place of the beef for a different flavor.
• Add in some veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Stir in a jar of tomato sauce to the meat sauce for an extra boost of flavor.
• Make it ahead of time and freeze it for a quick and easy meal later on.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS

• Use Italian sausage in place of the beef for a different flavor.
• Add in some veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Stir in a jar of tomato sauce to the meat sauce for an extra boost of flavor.
• Make it ahead of time and freeze it for a quick and easy meal later.
• If you want a creamier pasta dish, stir in some heavy cream to the meat sauce.
• Mix in some Parmesan cheese to the meat sauce for a little extra flavor.
• If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes.
• To make this a vegetarian dish, omit the meat and double the amount of vegetables.
• Use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef.
• If you want a cheesy pasta bake, stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the meat sauce.
• For a crockpot lasagna, layer uncooked lasagna noodles, meat sauce, and cheese instead of layering the ziti noodles.
• Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
• Try marinara sauce instead of pasta sauce.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Add cottage cheese for a creamy pasta bake.
• Try different kinds of cheese like Parmesan, Asiago, or provolone.
• Stir in some ricotta cheese to the meat sauce for a creamy pasta dish.
• Add a layer of cooked crumbled bacon on top before serving.

SIDES FOR PAIRING WITH EASY BAKED ZITI

If you want to keep things super simple, pair your delicious slow cooker recipe with garlic bread or a green salad. If you're up for putting in a little more effort, here are some easy side dish ideas that will go well with the flavors in this recipe:

• Roasted vegetables
• Breadsticks
• Antipasto salad
• Caprese salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted asparagus spears

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVERS

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350 degrees until heated through.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just place the ziti on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.

Can I Freeze This Recipe?

Yes! This crock pot baked ziti freezes really well. Just place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for about two months.

FAQ's

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is an easy and delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love. You can customize it with your favorite meats or vegetables, and it's a great way to use up any leftover pasta you might have.

Plus, this recipe only takes minutes of prep time, and very little work is involved. So if you're looking for a fantastic Italian meal that doesn't require much effort, then this Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the dish for you!

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