If you’re craving warm, cheesy comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Crockpot Ziti Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It takes all the cozy, saucy goodness of a baked ziti and gives it a slow-cooked twist that makes dinner effortless. You just toss everything in your slow cooker and let the magic happen.

This dish comes out rich and hearty, with layers of creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, savory meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, it’s a game-changer that tastes like a hug in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ziti Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s a total time-saver and doesn’t require any complicated prep. Unlike traditional baked ziti, there’s no need to precook the pasta or fuss with baking dishes. Everything melds together beautifully in the crockpot, developing deeper flavors as it slow cooks. It’s also super versatile—swap in sausage for ground beef, or add spinach for a veggie kick.

Do I Need to Cook the Pasta First?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this crockpot method. The uncooked ziti cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those rich tomato and meat juices. Just make sure there’s enough liquid in the sauce to cover the noodles and you’ll be rewarded with tender pasta and perfectly layered cheesy goodness. No boiling water, no extra pots. Just dump, stir, and wait.

Ingredients for the Crockpot Ziti Recipe

The magic of Crockpot Ziti lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an important role in delivering that familiar, comforting flavor we all love in baked pasta. Choosing quality ingredients ensures your dish is bursting with savory richness and cheesy satisfaction.

Ziti pasta
Ground beef
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Marinara sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil (optional)

Ziti pasta is the heart of this dish. It holds up well during slow cooking and absorbs the sauce without turning mushy.

Ground beef adds that hearty, meaty base to give the dish its satisfying bite. You can also use Italian sausage for extra flavor.

Ricotta cheese gives the ziti its creamy, rich layers, just like in a traditional baked ziti.

Shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and gives you those irresistible cheese pulls.

Parmesan cheese brings a sharp, salty depth that balances the creaminess of the ricotta and mozzarella.

Marinara sauce provides the rich tomato base. Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or make your own.

Garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning layer in aromatic flavor without needing fresh herbs.

Salt and pepper round everything out, enhancing the overall flavor.

Fresh basil is optional, but a few leaves stirred in at the end add a pop of color and fresh taste.

How To Make the Crockpot Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot

Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Add half the uncooked ziti pasta, then spoon half the ricotta cheese in dollops. Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan. Layer half the cooked beef over the cheese. Repeat with sauce, pasta, ricotta, cheese, and beef until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of sauce and cheese.

Step 3: Cook on Low and Let It Melt Together

Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid too often. After about 4 hours, test the pasta for doneness. When the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, it’s ready.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Spoon servings into bowls and sprinkle with extra parmesan or fresh basil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow everything to settle and meld.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot Ziti

Crockpot Ziti is perfect for feeding a hungry family or a small gathering. This recipe comfortably serves 6 to 8 people, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread and you’re good to go.

Once the ziti has cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, just microwave individual portions or warm them in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until heated through. It also freezes well—portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Crockpot Ziti?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a must with a pasta dish like this. It’s perfect for soaking up that extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with creamy dressing and crunchy croutons makes a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Roasted veggies add balance to the plate. Broccoli, with its slight char and natural sweetness, complements the ziti perfectly.

Antipasto Platter

For a dinner party feel, start with a small platter of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.

Caprese Salad

Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a bright, cool contrast.

Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Quick sautéed green beans tossed in garlic and parmesan keep things simple but full of flavor.

Italian Wedding Soup

For a heartier side, serve a small bowl of this flavorful soup. It’s a cozy addition to a pasta dinner.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tangy balsamic-glazed carrots bring color and a bit of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory dish.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

If you love this slow-cooked Crockpot Ziti, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other hearty, cheesy pasta favorites:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe brings rich, savory flavor with a velvety sauce.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta is a quick, family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is packed with bold flavor and creamy cheese.
Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta gives you that restaurant-style taste right at home.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is an oven-baked favorite perfect for cozy nights.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with classic beef or go for sausage? Did you sneak in some veggies?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make weeknight dinners as easy as they are tasty.

Explore beautifully curated pasta dishes and health-boosting meals on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort food lineup!