Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together hearty ingredients like ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. This dish is perfect for busy weekdays or casual gatherings, as it requires minimal effort and allows you to enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal with little hands-on time. The slow cooking process helps develop deep, rich flavors in the sauce while keeping the pasta tender and the cheese melty. By using a Crock Pot, you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks to perfection.

The combination of ziti pasta, a savory beef and tomato sauce, and layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the addition of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Whether you’re serving it to a family for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti will become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is perfect for anyone who loves comforting, Italian-inspired meals. It’s easy to make, with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The slow-cooked beef and tomato sauce becomes incredibly flavorful, while the cheese layers give the dish a creamy, decadent texture. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and cooking time, and the Crock Pot does most of the work for you. With its rich, cheesy layers and savory flavors, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead meal, meaning you can enjoy leftovers the next day.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
12 ounces ziti pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sour cream

Variations

Meat alternatives: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version of this dish.
Extra veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Cheese options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile, or add ricotta for a creamier texture.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta in place of the regular ziti to make this dish gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is tender and the beef is fully cooked.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Ziti Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine the Ziti and Sauce

Add the cooked ziti to the simmering sauce, mixing well to ensure that the pasta is coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Layer in the Crock Pot

Grease your Crock Pot, then layer the ziti mixture, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and dollops of sour cream in the slow cooker. Repeat the layers as needed, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover the Crock Pot and cook the ziti on Low for 4 to 6 hours, until the dish is hot and the cheese has melted.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the Crock Pot, it’s important to cook it al dente before adding it to the sauce to avoid mushy pasta.
Layer cheese for better melt: For the best cheese melt, make sure to layer both Parmesan and mozzarella throughout the dish, not just on top.
Make ahead: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding it to the Crock Pot, then refrigerate overnight. On the day of cooking, simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours.
Check for doneness: Depending on your Crock Pot, cooking times may vary. Check to ensure the dish is hot and bubbly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve Crock Pot Baked Ziti hot, straight from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For an extra touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top before serving. It’s a great dish for a family dinner, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Baked Ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. After cooking, allow the ziti to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or in the oven, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, you can substitute the ziti pasta with penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta.

2. Can I make this dish without meat?

Yes, you can skip the ground beef and use vegetables or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

3. Can I cook this on High instead of Low?

Yes, if you need to cook it faster, you can cook it on High for 2 to 3 hours, but be sure to monitor it to avoid overcooking.

4. Can I add ricotta cheese to the recipe?

Yes, adding ricotta cheese between the layers will make it creamier and richer.

5. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute fresh oregano and basil for the dried herbs; just use about 3 times the amount called for in the recipe.

6. How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the Crock Pot, as it will cook further while the dish simmers.

7. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.

8. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

9. What can I serve with Crock Pot Baked Ziti?

Serve it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

10. How do I reheat frozen baked ziti?

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is an easy, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part is that it’s made effortlessly in the slow cooker, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is always a hit.