Looking for a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s easy to make? Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the perfect solution! This recipe is a twist on the classic baked ziti, but it’s made in a slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it. With layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, including variations for keto and low-carb diets. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions to make sure your ziti comes out perfect every time.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked thoroughly
- 2 jars of Italian pasta sauce (24 ounces each)
- 1–16-ounce box of penne pasta
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 15 ounces tomato paste
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until fully browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- Mix with Sauce: Once the beef is cooked, stir in 2 jars of Italian pasta sauce and 15 ounces of tomato paste. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix the Ricotta: In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 2 large eggs, and ⅓ cup of chopped fresh basil. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add Parmesan: Mix in 1 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to the ricotta mixture. Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Ziti in the Slow Cooker
- Layering the Ingredients: In a 6-quart slow cooker, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add Pasta: Spread ⅓ of the uncooked penne pasta on top of the meat sauce.
- Layer the Ricotta Mixture: Spoon ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer, followed by another layer of the meat sauce.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: penne, ricotta mixture, meat sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Once all layers are complete, sprinkle the top with 1 cup of freshly shredded mozzarella and the remaining 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Ziti
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The pasta should be tender, the cheese melted, and the dish hot throughout.
- Serve: Once done, garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Cooking Notes
- No Need to Pre-Cook the Pasta: The beauty of this slow cooker recipe is that the pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker, soaking up all the rich flavors from the sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your slow cooker after 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high) to prevent overcooking the pasta. It should be tender but not mushy.
- Customize Your Meat: While ground beef is a classic option, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Variations of Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Keto-Friendly Version
If you’re following a keto diet, you can modify this recipe by substituting the pasta and adjusting the sauce.
Ingredients Adjustments:
- Replace the penne with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or keto-friendly pasta (such as shirataki noodles).
- Ensure your pasta sauce is sugar-free.
- Use extra cheese and meat to add more fat content, which is ideal for keto.
Instructions:
- Follow the same assembly process but swap out the pasta with zucchini noodles or keto pasta.
- Cook for 2-3 hours on low, as zucchini noodles tend to cook faster than traditional pasta.
Low-Carb Version
For those looking to reduce carbs but still enjoy a baked pasta dish, here’s a low-carb version.
Ingredients Adjustments:
- Use whole-wheat pasta or low-carb pasta alternatives like chickpea or lentil pasta.
- Opt for a low-sugar pasta sauce or make your own homemade sauce using fresh tomatoes and herbs.
Instructions:
- Follow the original recipe but substitute the pasta with a low-carb option.
- Cook for the same amount of time as the original recipe, making sure the pasta is tender but not overcooked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ziti ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti in the slow cooker the night before. Store it in the refrigerator overnight and start cooking it the next day. Just be aware that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if the dish starts cold.
2. Can I freeze slow cooker baked ziti?
Absolutely. To freeze, let the cooked ziti cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can mix and match the cheese in this recipe. Swap out mozzarella for cheddar or use a combination of Italian cheeses like asiago, fontina, or Romano to add even more flavor.
4. Do I need to cook the pasta beforehand?
No, you do not need to cook the pasta ahead of time. The slow cooker method allows the pasta to cook directly in the sauce, making this dish super easy and convenient.
5. Can I use other meats in this recipe?
Certainly! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different taste. Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly before layering it into the slow cooker.
6. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat larger portions in the oven.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With its savory layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. The slow cooker does all the work, making it a simple solution for dinner.
Whether you’re sticking to the original recipe or trying a keto or low-carb variation, you’ll love how effortless and tasty this meal is. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color!
