Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

 

Let’s get one thing straight: we all love baked ziti, but who actually has time to stand around, boil pasta, layer it all perfectly, and then babysit the oven?

That’s where Crock Pot Baked Ziti comes in. It’s like the classic you love but upgraded to lazy-person mode.

You dump everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and boom— comfort food perfection without the hassle.

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Why This Recipe Wins at Life

It’s everything you crave in baked ziti: cheesy, saucy, pasta goodness with minimal effort.

There’s no need to precook the pasta (because who has the patience for that?). You literally layer, walk away, and let the crock pot make you look like a dinner genius.

Oh, and it’s one of those meals that everyone loves. Family dinner? Sorted. Friends coming over? Done.

Want leftovers that don’t feel sad? This is it.

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What You’ll Need

● 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional, but c’mon, it’s worth it)

● 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

● 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

● 1 tsp garlic powder

● 1 tsp dried oregano

● ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

● 16 oz ziti or penne pasta (uncooked—you read that right)

● 1½ cups ricotta cheese

● 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

● 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

● 2 cups water or chicken broth (keeps everything from drying out)

● Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, because we’re fancy like that

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How to Make It

1. If You’re Feeling Fancy, Cook the Meat

● If you’re using ground beef or sausage, brown it in a pan with a little salt.

● Drain the grease and mix it with the marinara and diced tomatoes.

(Not using meat? Skip this and go straight to the layering. It’s your dinner, live your truth.)

2. Layer It Like a Pro

● In the crock pot, start with a layer of sauce— no one likes dry pasta. Add a layer of uncooked ziti (yes, UNCOOKED), followed by blobs of ricotta.

● Then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan like you’re trying to impress someone.

● Repeat until you’re out of ingredients, ending with sauce and cheese on top. (The cheese layer is the crown jewel. Treat it with respect.)

3. Add the Secret Ingredient

● Pour water or chicken broth over the layers. This little trick cooks the pasta to perfection while keeping it saucy. (No soggy pasta here, thank you very much.)

4. Let the Crock Pot Do Its Thing

● Cover it up and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

● Don’t overthink it— just check if the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbling like it’s living its best life.

5. Garnish Like a Chef

● Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. It’s a small step, but it’ll make everyone think you tried harder than you did.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve it straight from the crock pot into bowls, and pair it with— you guessed it— garlic bread. 

Trust me, you’re going to want something to scoop up that leftover sauce.

Add a salad if you’re trying to trick yourself into thinking it’s a balanced meal.

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Why You’ll Make This Again (And Again)

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is comfort food with zero effort. It’s foolproof, reheats like a dream, and makes you look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen.

Plus, let’s be honest—there’s no greater joy than digging into a cheesy, saucy bowl of pasta that you barely lifted a finger to make.

So, grab your slow cooker, your stretchy trousers, and dive in. Dinner just got ridiculously easy—and delicious.