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Crock-Pot Baked Ziti is cooked 100% in a slow cooker. The title says "baked." But, there is no baking involved in this easy recipe.
You don't even have to boil the noodles on a stovetop first!
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I had no intention of deceiving anyone.
There just isn't a better way to describe baked ziti made in a crock-pot. It tastes just like the traditional baked version and looks like it came out of the oven too. Use the same process to make Crock-Pot Vegetable Lasagna!
It's just a lot easier to make this comfort pasta dish with ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses in a slower cooker. There are fewer dishes to clean up too!
We used no meat so this version is vegetarian. But, we'll show you where to add some.
There's a place for pasta dishes like stovetop Pasta with Olive Oil, Garlic and Mushrooms. But, it's hard to resist the appeal of a meal where the slow cooker does all the work and it tastes so good!
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make slow cooker baked ziti:
- Ziti Noodles or Penne Pasta
- 2 jars of pasta sauce - choose the one you love!
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Egg
- Salt & Pepper
- Basil - fresh is best, but dried is nice too.
Use full or low-fat cheeses depending upon your preference.
Optional: Cooked ground beef or sausage can be added to this recipe if desired.
Step-by-Step Directions
Here's how to make crock-pot baked ziti with detailed instructions below:
Tip: Coat the inside of the crock with cooking spray. (There is very little mess if you do this...really!) A liner does not work well in this recipe.
1. Rinse the noodles in a colander and set them aside. (This step softens the noodles.) Do not cook the noodles first.
2. Make the cheese mixture by combining ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper. (A little minced garlic would be nice too.) Divide the cheese mixture in half. (Just take a spoon, eyeball it, and draw a line down the middle of the bowl.)
3. Layer the ingredients in the crock-pot as follows:
- Place half the noodles (about 2-½ cups) in the bottom of the crock. Pour 2 cups of pasta sauce over the noodles. (FYI - A 24-ounce jar has 2 ½ cups of sauce.) I stirred the pasta and sauce together to coat the noodles and then used a spoon to make sure the noodles were in an even layer.
- Variation: If you want meat or vegetables in your baked ziti, add them here. Sprinkle cooked ground beef or sliced vegetables, like mushrooms and spinach, to make the next layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture over the top of the current layer. Use half of the cheese mixture for this layer.
- Use the back of a spoon (or your fingers) to gently press the mixture into an even layer.
- Repeat the steps above to make the second layer.
- Pour the remaining cup of pasta sauce over the top and use a spoon to spread it evenly.
4. Cook the ziti on low for 4-6 hours or on high for about 2 hours. To test if it is done, use a fork to dig out a few noodles to taste. The exact time will vary depending upon your slow cooker. Keep a close eye on it the first time you make it.
5. Remove the lid and sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top and garnish with basil. Turn off the slow cooker. Put the lid back on and allow the cheese to melt. It takes about 10 minutes.
Serve crock-pot ziti right out of the slow cooker! The longer it sets, the easier it is to dish out in nice tall layers. But, it's equally delicious if you spoon it out right away.
Storage
Leftover baked ziti is perfect for enjoying the next day or freezing for later. I like to cut it into single servings, but it can be stored uncut as well.
- Storage. Store cooked pasta in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat servings in the microwave or the oven at 350 °F.
This recipe was a bit of a reminder for me that a slow cooker can be used for many, many things...things you may have read about but not tried before. Check out all of our crock-pot recipes.
If your slow cooker is collecting dust from limited use (as mine was,) I suggest you drag it out and make crock-pot baked ziti recipe right away! You won't be disappointed.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti
Here are some fantastic side dishes to round out the meal. Add a little garlic bread too!
More Crock-Pot Recipes
Let the slow cooker do all the work for these comfort dishes too!
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Crock-Pot Baked Ziti
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti noodles uncooked, or penne pasta
- 15 ounce low-fat ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 ½ cup low-fat mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 48 ounces pasta sauce two 24 ounce jars
- 2 Tablespoons fresh basil leaves 7-8 leaves sliced thin or ½ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Coat the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray.
- Rinse noodles in a colander and set aside. Do not boil.
- Combine ricotta, egg, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, salt and pepper in a bowl and set aside.
- Place half of the noodles (about 2½ cups) in the crock-pot.
- Pour 2 cups of pasta sauce over the noodles and use a spoon to make sure the noodles and pasta sauce are evenly layered in the bottom of the crock.
- Layer half of the ricotta mixture in the crock-pot by dropping small spoonfuls and then using the back of a spoon or fingers to create an even layer of cheese.
- Repeat the noodle, pasta sauce and cheese layers.
- Evenly pour the remaining pasta sauce (about 1 cup) over the top.
- Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours.
- Remove lid and sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Replace lid and allow to sit for about 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.
- Garnish with basil and serve from crock pot.
Notes
- Storage. Store cooked pasta in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat servings in the microwave or the oven at 350 °F.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on 9/17/13 and has been updated to improve the reader experience.
Shari Peace says
I know you said spaghetti noodles would work but in less time. I want to use what I have in the cupboard and that is penne rigate noodles. Would you cook them for 4 hrs? Thanks and I'm going to try this recipe tomorrow:)
Marjory says
Hi! I hope you enjoyed it. It should cook in the same amount of time!
Crystal says
I accidently used marinara sauce in mine will it still taste the same
Marjory says
I hope you enjoyed it!
Kelly says
Color me surprised. No one really eats ziti in my family but I just had to try this to see if it can be done and because it looked so good. As I was preparing it I thought, "there's no way this isn't going to be ziti soup". Not only was it not, it soaked up so much of the sauce I had to use more for when I served it. Overall I'd say it was quite good.
Marjory says
Thanks so much for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
MaryAnn says
Will defintely be trying this out. I work a lot of nights and so does hubby, so that usually means our teenaged kids are fending for themselves which I hate. I will definitely be following you for more great recipes. I have two large crock pots, time to break them in! Thank you so much, look forward to more recipes ????????
Marjory says
Enjoy! Check out the crock pot category for more recipes using your slow cooker!
ccchristie says
Do you use the cut ziti or long ziti. I noticed you use the word "noodles" which implies the long ziti, not the short pasta.
Marjory says
Hi! I used the noodles labeled "ziti" that are about an inch long. Thanks for your question!
Maria says
Thanks so much! I planned on making Baked Ziti this Sunday for my grandchildren's Baptism celebration. I kept thinking how am I going to bake it while we are all at church. Now my worries are over. I will have to double the recipe. Will the same 3-4 hours cooking time on low still apply? I can't wait to try this!
Marjory says
Yes it should. Make sure your crock pot is big enough.
carole says
I'm THRILLED to have found this- thank you! Making it tonight and then will put in fridge for tmw night's dinner (I'm gone too long during the day), so tmw. morning, my dinner is DONE!
It looks amazing and i can't wait for the fam to wake up to the incredible smell!! thanks again!
Marjory says
Thanks for commenting. I hope you enjoy it!
Jai says
I'd love to bring this to a potluck luncheon at work. Can I cook it the night before and reheat in the crockpot. If so, what would be your recommended times for cooking and reheating? Thanks
Marjory says
I'm wondering if you might want to assemble the night before and then take to work and cook. I'm really not sure what the correct timing would be for reheating or if that might end up overcooking the dish.
Jai says
I took your advice and assembled it the night before. I saw that someone else on this thread cooked it at work on high for 3 hours so I followed that considering my arrival time. It turned out great!!!. I had to send it along while I attended another meeting. When I made it to the luncheon, there were only two servings left with several inquiring about your recipe. Thanks so much for sharing this. This will come in handy for other potlucks and family gatherings.
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
LOVE the ease of this recipe. I can understand why you kept the word, 'Baked' in the title!!
Marjory says
Thanks Betsy!
Ari says
Do you cook the noodles before they go in the crock pot.
Marjory says
No!!! That's one of the great things about this recipe!
sherry says
I made this it was good except my noodles turned mushy what can I do to change this?
Marjory says
Hi! Thanks for your commment! It's hard to diagnose what might have happened with limited information. But, be sure to use regular noodles in the recipe (not the ones designed to be no-cook.) Also, you may want to adjust the time cooked down a bit. I hope that helps!
Angela Clouse says
Will this work if baked in the oven, ?? And for how long...
Marjory says
You can make this recipe in the oven. I cook the noodles first. (But, if they are covered with plenty of sauce, they should cook in the oven.) Bake in a 350 degree F oven for about 30-40 minutes.
shannon says
just ate this for dinner and it is now in a dead tie for first place in the family crockpot recipe rotation. my toddlers love it! which is not easy to do. thank you so much!
Marjory says
I'm so glad they (and you) liked it!
Kim Beaulieu says
I just love recipes like this. I particularly love that you made it in the crock pot. Easy peasy and delicious.
Susanna says
Do you think this would work the same with gluten free pasta? I am going to try it!
Marjory says
I've never tried it...but, would love to know how it turns out!!