Irresistible Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Days

There’s something magical about the aroma of baked ziti wafting through your home. Imagine cheese bubbling to perfection, rich marinara sauce mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, and the savory scent wrapping around you like a warm hug. If that doesn’t make your heart sing, I don’t know what will. Now, toss that image into a crock pot, and you’ve got yourself a winning recipe for crock pot baked ziti.

Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and you’re snuggled up on the couch with your favorite blanket. The kids are playing quietly (a miracle in itself), and all of a sudden, you remember the magic of crock pot baked ziti. You throw everything in, set it to cook, and before you know it, you’re transported back to family gatherings where laughter echoed alongside the clinking of forks against plates.

You know that feeling when you pull off a culinary masterpiece? That moment when your family dives into their plates with glee? That’s exactly how it went down when I first made this dish. My kids’ faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took their first bites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Choose large ziti or penne pasta to hold onto all that cheesy goodness.

• Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce is essential; opt for homemade or store-bought based on your mood.

• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess; look for whole milk ricotta for richer flavor.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use plenty for that gooey texture; fresh mozzarella can elevate your dish further.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on top; it adds a salty crunch right at the finish.

• Italian Seasoning: This blend brings everything together; don’t skimp on it!

• Ground Beef or Sausage (optional): For meat lovers, brown it before adding to intensify flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make crock pot baked ziti

Let’s get into the fun part—making that mouthwatering crock pot baked ziti!

Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping any necessary vegetables if you’re adding them. A quick dice of onions or bell peppers can enhance flavor without much effort.

Cook Your Meat (if using): If you decide to include ground beef or sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and set aside while you prepare the rest.

Layer Your Ingredients: In your crock pot, start with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Then add uncooked ziti pasta followed by dollops of ricotta cheese, ground meat (if using), and shredded mozzarella. Repeat until you’re out of ingredients!

Add More Sauce and Seasoning: Pour any remaining marinara sauce over your layered creation while sprinkling Italian seasoning generously throughout. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.

Set Your Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is tender and cheese bubbles enticingly.

Garnish and Serve!: Before serving, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt slightly under the lid for extra flair! Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a balanced meal.

And there you have it—a delicious warm bowl of comfort food ready to be devoured! Enjoy every cheesy bite as if it’s a big affectionate hug from Italy itself!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, cook your pasta until al dente, then mix with sauce and cheese before layering in the crock pot. This ensures even cooking and prevents mushy noodles.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep it creamy and delicious.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air while we devoured every last bite together.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for crock pot baked ziti?

Yes, gluten-free pasta works well if you adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese blended until smooth is a great alternative for ricotta.

How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?

Crock pot baked ziti typically takes about 3-4 hours on low heat.

Print

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings the warmth of family gatherings right into your home. With layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and an abundance of gooey cheese, this effortless recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Just throw everything into your crock pot, set it, and let the tantalizing aroma fill your kitchen while it cooks! Enjoy a delicious meal that even picky eaters will love, complete with easy leftovers for the next day.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep by gathering ingredients and chopping any vegetables you want to add.
2. If using meat, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Layer the bottom of the crock pot with marinara sauce. Add uncooked ziti pasta, dollops of ricotta cheese, cooked meat (if using), and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
4. Pour any remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until pasta is tender and cheese is bubbly.
6. Before serving, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in chopped spinach or bell peppers. To ensure perfectly cooked pasta, pre-cook it to al dente before layering. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat gently in the microwave or oven.