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Easy Crockpot Ziti
This Crockpot Ziti is easy to make and it’s sure to make everyone happy when it’s time to eat because it’s a family favorite.
Crockpot Ziti is a warm and tasty dish that works well for almost any occasion since it uses simple ingredients and basic spices. You should add this easy recipe to your weekly meal plan so you always have something comforting to serve.

I’ll be honest this recipe started as a total “use what’s left in the fridge” situation and you know the ones where it’s Sunday night and the fridge is half-empty while your brain is fully fried. I spotted half a box of ziti and there was some marinara clinging to the jar walls while of course there was cheese because there’s always cheese.
So I thought why not toss it all in the slow cooker and see what happens and spoiler alert magic happened because it turned into the kind that bubbles up all cheesy and golden around the edges.

It’s like baked ziti except you don’t need to babysit it and you don’t have to boil pasta or watch the oven like a hawk because all you do is layer the ingredients then plug it in and boom — you get comfort food that feels like a hug from nonna even if your nonna was more of a “microwave dinner” kind of lady like mine.
Have you ever made pasta in a crockpot because it’s weirdly satisfying and you just dump everything in and hours later it’s like the pasta fairy showed up.

Oh and the first time I made it I forgot to spray the crockpot which is classic me and I ended up spending a good ten minutes scraping the sides like a savage so please learn from my pain friends.
Let’s get into it because this one’s a keeper and just don’t blame me if you go back for thirds.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese: Create a creamy and cheesy topping.
- Ziti pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds the sauce well.
- Onion and garlic: Enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a depth of flavor with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Italian sausage: Provides a savory and slightly spicy kick.
- Marinara sauce: The base of the sauce for the baked ziti.
- Beef broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness to the finished dish
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage optional

How to Make Crockpot Ziti
Step 1
If you’re using meat, cook the ground beef or sausage in a large pan over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink then drain the extra grease. Next, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan for a few minutes until they’re soft so they add extra flavor
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
In the crockpot, spread a layer of sauce on the bottom then add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan over it. Add some of the cooked meat mixture if you’re using meat. Repeat the layers: sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat until you’ve used everything, ending with a layer of sauce and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 4
Cover the crockpot with the lid then cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the pas
ta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Turn off the crockpot and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like then serve warm.

Kitchen Equipment Needed :
- Slow cooker crockpot
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater if grating your own cheese
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Large skillet if using meat
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle or large spoon for serving
TIPS FOR PERFECT CROCKPOT ZITI
Use uncooked pasta: No need to boil it first! It cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all the yummy flavor.
Add veggies: Try spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms if you want to sneak in more veggies.
Use broth instead of water: Chicken or vegetable broth adds extra flavor.
What To Eat With Crockpot Ziti ?
My favorite way to eat this slow cooked ziti is with some refreshing beverage like juice or with Brazilian Lemonade .

FAQ’S
Can I use a different type of pasta Crockpot Ziti ?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well just avoid very small pasta like macaroni because it can get too soft.
Can I make this without meat ?
Definitely! Just skip the meat or replace it with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy ?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and cook on low if possible overcooking or too much liquid can make pasta mushy.
How to Slow cooker baked ziti without ricotta ?
Slow cooker baked ziti no ricotta: Layer uncooked ziti, meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the slow cooker, pour in broth, and cook on LOW 3–4 hrs or HIGH 1.5–2 hrs until pasta is tender. Finish with extra cheese on top.
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Easy Crockpot Ziti
Course: Main CourseCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes3
hours450
kcal3
hours15
minutesCrockpot Ziti is a cheesy, saucy, comforting pasta dish made right in the slow cooker — no oven or boiling required! Perfect for busy families, it’s layered with pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and optional meat for an easy, hands-off dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese: Create a creamy and cheesy topping.
Ziti pasta: A tube-shaped pasta that holds the sauce well.
Onion and garlic: Enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Italian seasoning: Adds a depth of flavor with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Italian sausage: Provides a savory and slightly spicy kick.
Marinara sauce: The base of the sauce for the baked ziti.
Beef broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness to the finished dish
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage optional
Directions
- If you’re using meat, cook the ground beef or sausage in a large pan over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink then drain the extra grease. Next, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in the same pan for a few minutes until they’re soft so they add extra flavor
- In a mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and water or beef broth. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In the crockpot, spread a layer of sauce on the bottom then add a layer of uncooked ziti pasta. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle some mozzarella and Parmesan over it. Add some of the cooked meat mixture if you’re using meat. Repeat the layers: sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and meat until you’ve used everything, ending with a layer of sauce and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid then cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the pas
- ta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Turn off the crockpot and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if you like then serve warm.
Notes
- Use uncooked pasta — no need to boil it first!
- Brown the meat before adding if you’re using ground beef or sausage to avoid extra grease in the crockpot.
- Add a little extra sauce if you like your pasta super saucy.
- Taste the sauce before adding to see if it needs extra seasoning like salt, pepper, or Italian herbs.
- Double the recipe carefully — make sure your crockpot is large enough and leave space for everything to cook.