Name: Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487690H52M49S
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 can diced tomatoes (28 ounces); 1 jar pasta sauce (650 ml); 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 box penne or ziti (375 grams); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

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If you’re craving a hearty, cozy meal that basically cooks itself, look no further than this Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. It brings together tender pasta, tangy tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella in a luscious sauce, all made ultra-easy by the slow cooker. This is comfort food at its finest — big flavors, minimal effort, and the kind of leftovers you’ll wake up excited for. Whether you’re feeding a bustling family or just want to meal prep like a pro, Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti might just become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its unfussy list of ingredients — each one brings something special, from the creamy cheese to the fragrant herbs. Don’t hesitate to swap in your own favorite protein or use whatever short pasta you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each addition:

Ground beef (1 pound): Adds depth, heartiness, and plenty of savory flavor. You can also choose turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.
Onion (finely chopped): Brings gentle sweetness and a flavor base that perfumes the whole dish.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Essential for its punchy, aromatic kick that ties everything together.
Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances every single flavor and ensures your ziti is perfectly seasoned.
Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Delivers a classic Italian herbal note that feels both fresh and homey.
Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and a subtle green fleck to every bite.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 28 ounces): Provide juicy texture and tangy vibrancy.
Pasta sauce (1 jar, about 2 1/2 cups): The rich, tomatoey base that keeps everything saucy and satisfying.
Low-sodium chicken broth (2 1/2 cups): Infuses the whole dish with savory depth and helps cook the pasta just right; feel free to use beef or veggie broth, too.
Penne or ziti (about 4 cups): Short pasta shapes hold onto all the flavors and cook up beautifully in the slow cooker.
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Finishes everything off with that irresistibly melty, bubbling top.

How to Make Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Start by browning your ground beef and finely chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meat is fully browned and the onion has softened, stir in the minced garlic, salt, basil, and parsley. Let everything sizzle together for just a minute to unlock those mouthwatering aromas. If you’re in a hurry, you can add the raw onion, garlic, and spices directly to the slow cooker, letting it all cook together from the start — your ziti will still turn out rich and flavorful.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Now comes the magic: transfer the beef mixture (or your raw veggies and spices, if you went the shortcut route) into a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Pour in your diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Take a moment to give everything a good stir so that every spoonful will get a bit of every flavor later on.

Step 3: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours if you have time to let it go nice and slow, or bump it to high for 3 hours if dinnertime is racing up on you. This long, gentle cook blends the flavors and brings a truly homemade taste to every bite, making Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti so comforting and hands-off.

Step 4: Add Pasta to the Slow Cooker

After your ziti’s saucy base has done its thing, crank the slow cooker up to high and stir in your chosen pasta. Make sure you submerge all the noodles—they need to soak up all that amazing flavor as they cook. Lid back on, let it cook for about 15-30 minutes, stirring once in between. Check for that perfect, al dente bite—there’s nothing better than pasta done just right!

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve

As soon as the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly across the top. Pop the lid back on and let it sit for another 3-5 minutes just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and deeply tempting. Ladle generous helpings into bowls and get ready for round after round of compliments!

How to Serve Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Garnishes

For a beautiful and appetizing finish, scatter on a big handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A dusting of grated Parmesan or a whisper of crushed red pepper flakes adds an extra layer of flavor and a lovely pop of color. These easy touches make your Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Pair your ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty Italian vinaigrette or serve alongside garlicky breadsticks for a full Italian-inspired dinner. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make delicious, wholesome companions. Let the rich, comforting flavors of Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti shine by choosing simple, refreshing sides.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, scoop the piping hot ziti into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron pans and let people top their own with extra cheese or herbs. For potlucks or parties, serve it buffet-style in the slow cooker with a toppings bar. And if you want to impress, try stacking portions lasagna-style, with layers of mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners later in the week. The flavors even deepen as it rests!

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled ziti into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label and date so you’ll remember just how delicious your next meal will be. It can be stored for up to three months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever a comfort food craving strikes.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil until hot. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each. Add a splash of broth or sauce if it seems a bit dry, and top with extra cheese to bring back that irresistible melty finish!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While classic ziti or penne work perfectly, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or shells will soak up that delicious sauce and cheese. Just keep an eye on cooking time—some shapes cook a bit faster or slower in the slow cooker.

Can I make Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply swap the ground beef for extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. The rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese still shine without the meat.

Can I prep Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti the night before?

Yes, you can get a head start by cooking the beef mixture and combining the sauce, then refrigerating it overnight. In the morning, pop everything in the slow cooker and proceed as directed, adding pasta at the right spot. Perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready in advance.

How can I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

The key is to add the pasta only in the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, checking it after 15 minutes to catch it at al dente. Stirring once halfway through helps ensure even cooking and that all noodles bathe in the flavorful sauce.

Is Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti spicy?

Nope, the base recipe is super family-friendly and mild. If you like some zing, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or serving with spicy Italian sausage for a bit more heat and boldness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to bring big, satisfying Italian flavors to your table with minimal fuss, you can’t go wrong with Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. With its foolproof process and crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Grab your slow cooker and get started — you’ll soon see why this dish is such a beloved favorite!

Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savory Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that is easy to prepare using a slow cooker. With layers of ground beef, aromatic herbs, pasta, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned. Add garlic, salt, basil, and parsley. Cook for an additional minute.
Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. Add tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth. Stir to combine.
Cook in the Slow Cooker: Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 3 hours.
Add Pasta to the Slow Cooker: Switch to high heat. Add pasta, stir, and cook for 15-30 minutes.
Finish with Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle cheese on top. Cook until melted. Serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Feel free to top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian