Updated
I love creamy, cheesy baked ziti, and making it in the slow cooker is so simple! This Crockpot Baked Ziti recipe features a delicious Italian seasoned pasta sauce with three different kinds of cheese and hearty sausage. My whole family loves it!
Pin this recipe for later!
Pin ItEasy Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe
When I’m craving classic baked ziti but don’t want the hassle, I make this crockpot version instead. It’s hands-off, super easy, and still delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness I love. My family goes crazy for it every time—rich sauce, melty cheese, hearty pasta…it’s everything that makes baked ziti a classic, just in slow cooker form.
Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb. Italian sausage casings removed, sweet or mild also work
- ½ onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 36 oz. marinara sauce (1½ jars)
- 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 lb. dry ziti pasta (1 box), any short shaped pasta is good
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- grated Parmesan cheese optional, for topping
- fresh basil optional, for topping
Video
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a very large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.1 tbsp olive oil
- Once heated, add the sausage and use a wooden spoon to break it up into chunks. Brown the sausage and drain any fat that remains in the pan.1 lb. Italian sausage
- Add in the onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, sautéing until the onions are soft.½ onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pour the marinara sauce and broth over the meat and stir until combined.36 oz. marinara sauce, 1½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread a layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker covering it completely.
- Top with half of the uncooked pasta.1 lb. dry ziti pasta
- Drop 4-5 spoonfuls of ricotta over pasta.1 cup ricotta cheese
- Sprinkle ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the remaining pasta, the remaining ricotta, and ½ cup mozzarella. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top.
- Cover and cook on high for 1½-2 hours or on low for 2-4 hours. At the lower end of the cook time, check to make sure the pasta isn't getting mushy.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Crockpot Baked Ziti Step by Step
Gather your ingredients and cook the sausage: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a very large skillet or Dutch oven set over medium heat. Once heated, add 1 lb. of Italian sausage, using a wooden spoon to break it into chunks. Brown the meat, drain the fat, and then add ½ of a chopped onion, 3 minced cloves of garlic, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, sautéing until the onions are soft. Pour 36 oz. (1½ jars) of marinara sauce and 1½ cups of low-sodium beef broth over the meat and stir until combined.
Fill the crockpot: Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Cover the bottom of the crockpot with a layer of meat sauce. Top with half a pound of uncooked ziti, 4-5 spoonfuls of ricotta, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the remaining half pound of pasta, the remaining half cup of ricotta, and ½ cup of mozzarella. Spread the remaining meat sauce over the top.
Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 1½-2 hours or on low for 2-4 hours. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Garnish and serve: Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Use a different sausage. Try chicken or turkey, or use ground beef, chicken, or turkey.
- Make a creamy sauce. Swap half of the broth for heavy cream.
- Add veggies. Finely chop carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers and add to the sauce.
How to Store
Store leftover crockpot baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a baking pan in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
Freeze crockpot baked ziti in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this hearty pasta with plenty of garlic bread on the side to soak up all that rich sauce. A crisp kale salad adds just the right amount of freshness and balance to the meal, and I like to finish it off with chocolate pudding for dessert. It’s the kind of dinner that’s cozy, satisfying, and perfect for gathering around the table with family.
I followed the recipe to a T and after 2 hours on high in the crock pot, the noodles are already mushy and I still can’t serve for another 2 hours.
Hello Becky, I am looking forward to making the recipe and was wondering if I double the ingredient’s, should I also double the cooking time? Thank you in advance!
Hi Reni, if your crockpot can accommodate, the cook time should be the same!
Hi/ can I make this with NO MEAT??
would I just start layering the other ingredients? Thank you
Yes, or you can use vegan sausage or cooked lentils in place of the sausage, if you’re looking for a different protein source.