Easy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti: Comforting Recipe!

Okay, let’s chat, Mommas!

I remember the first time I tried making slow cooker baked ziti. Picture this: a Tuesday, the kids were bouncing off the walls after school, the laundry pile was officially a mountain, and the 5 PM panic was setting in HARD. I needed something EASY, something that would feed my crew without requiring me to stand at the stove for hours. Enter: slow cooker baked ziti!

I’d seen versions of it online, but honestly, I was skeptical. Could you REALLY get that baked ziti goodness from a slow cooker? Turns out, you absolutely can! It became my “set it and forget it” lifesaver. The best part? Minimal effort, maximum comfort food.

This slow cooker baked ziti has become a regular in our house. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a lazy Sunday dinner. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, clean-up is a breeze!

So, if you’re looking for a sanity-saving meal that your family will actually devour, stick around. I’m excited to share my go-to slow cooker baked ziti recipe! Let’s face our beautiful chaos together, one delicious meal at a time. You’ve got this, fellow kitchen warriors!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy slow cooker baked ziti. Trust me, this ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 1 pound ziti pasta: I usually grab the Barilla brand at Target while doing my regular grocery run.
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: My family loves the Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, but any brand works.
• 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Whole milk ricotta is my preference, but part-skim works too.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Pre-shredded is my go-to for sanity’s sake!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that salty, cheesy goodness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of Italian flavor.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Because garlic makes everything better!
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season it up!
• Optional: 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, cooked and drained: For the meat lovers!

No worries if you don’t have oregano – I use Italian seasoning all the time in my slow cooker baked ziti. You can also swap the mozzarella for provolone if you’re feeling fancy.

Here’s a slow cooker baked ziti trick that saved my sanity: I often prep all the ingredients the night before. I cook the meat, measure out the cheeses, and then store everything in separate containers in the fridge. That way, in the morning, I can just dump it all in the slow cooker and go!

This slow cooker baked ziti doesn’t have to break the bank. I often buy store-brand cheeses and sauce to keep costs down. It tastes just as delicious!

Leftover tip: Store any leftover slow cooker baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

My family loves when I add extra mozzarella cheese on top of this slow cooker baked ziti. It creates a super gooey, cheesy crust that’s irresistible!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to make some magic? Follow these simple steps for a delicious slow cooker baked ziti that will have your family begging for more! Don’t worry, I’ll be here every step of the way!

1. Cook the ziti: Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. I usually do this while I’m packing lunches or getting the kids ready for school to save time.
2. Brown the meat (optional): If you’re using ground beef or Italian sausage, brown it in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step adds a depth of flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time or making a vegetarian slow cooker baked ziti.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re using meat, add it to the bowl as well. Mix everything together until well combined. It may seem like a lot, but trust me, it all works!
4. Layer in the slow cooker: Pour the ziti mixture into your slow cooker. Spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. I love to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for good measure!
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the ziti should be heated through. In my chaotic kitchen, this slow cooker baked ziti usually takes about 3.5 hours on low. Times can vary depending on your slow cooker.
6. Let it sit: Once the slow cooker baked ziti is done, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it to set up a bit and makes it easier to serve. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
7. Serve and enjoy! Dish it up and watch your family devour it!

Here’s where I used to mess up my slow cooker baked ziti – I would overcook the pasta in the first step! Make sure you cook it al dente because it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Don’t make my mistake!

While your slow cooker baked ziti is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Or maybe a glass of wine? 😉

Don’t panic if your slow cooker baked ziti looks a little watery at first. As it sits, the pasta will absorb the extra moisture.

A family-tested shortcut: I sometimes use a pre-made meat sauce to save even more time. No shame in that game, Mommas!

Your slow cooker baked ziti should smell amazing by now. If it doesn’t, check to make sure your slow cooker is turned on! (Yes, I’ve done that before!)

How We Love to Eat This!

My family has its own little ways of enjoying this slow cooker baked ziti. Here’s how we make it a complete meal!

The kids devour this slow cooker baked ziti when I serve it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread. It’s a classic combo that never fails! A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a hit.

This slow cooker baked ziti is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners. I also love making it for potlucks because it’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.

I like to sprinkle a little fresh basil on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor. Presentation matters, even when you’re exhausted!

Leftover ideas? Oh, we have plenty! We love to reheat it for lunch the next day, or even use it as a filling for stuffed peppers.

For a seasonal variation, try adding some roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to the slow cooker baked ziti in the summer. It adds a boost of nutrients and flavor.

I made this slow cooker baked ziti for a friend who had just had a baby, and she said it was the best meal she’d had in weeks! It’s a great way to show someone you care.

If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these taco stuffed baked potatoes! It’s another easy and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

I know you probably have some questions about this slow cooker baked ziti. Here are some of the most common questions I get from my mom tribe!

Can my picky eater handle this slow cooker baked ziti?

Yes! One trick is to finely chop any veggies you add, so they’re less noticeable. My kids are usually more willing to try it if it looks familiar and not too “weird”. Plus, cheese always helps!

Can I make this slow cooker baked ziti ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. This slow cooker baked ziti recipe can be a meal prep superstar!

What if I burn my slow cooker baked ziti? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

If it’s just a little bit burnt on the bottom, carefully scoop out the top layers and discard the burnt part. No one will ever know! Next time, try adding a little bit of broth or water to the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.

Can I use different types of cheese in this slow cooker baked ziti?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of cheddar. Just make sure they melt well!

Can I add vegetables to this crockpot baked ziti?

Yes, you can add vegetables to this crockpot baked ziti! Some great options include chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach. Add them in with the sauce and pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta for this slow cooker baked ziti?

Sure! Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them al dente before adding them to the slow cooker. This easy slow cooker ziti is very versatile.

Is this slow cooker baked ziti freezer-friendly?

Yes! You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This slow cooker baked ziti reminds me of another family favorite – oven baked trout. It’s another simple recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this crockpot baked ziti recipe from Running in a Skirt. It’s another great resource for easy slow cooker meals.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker baked ziti is special to my family because it’s a reminder that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a delicious and comforting meal. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of planning! Plus, the leftovers are always a hit! This crockpot baked ziti is a true win-win!

Here are some of my slow cooker baked ziti Mom Hacks:

• Prep Ahead Power: Chop veggies and brown meat the night before.
• Sauce Savvy: Keep a jar of your favorite marinara on hand for quick meals.
• Cheese, Please: Don’t skimp on the cheese! It makes everything better.

Here are some family-tested slow cooker baked ziti variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Veggie Loaded: Add a variety of chopped vegetables to the mix.
• Meat Lover’s Delight: Use a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pepperoni.

My son loves the meat lover’s version, while my daughter prefers the veggie-loaded option. I usually make a big batch and let everyone customize their own bowls.

Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this slow cooker baked ziti your own. Add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings to your liking, and most importantly, enjoy the process!

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and sanity to your kitchen as it has to mine. You are doing an amazing job, Momma! Now go forth and conquer that 5 PM panic with this delicious and easy slow cooker baked ziti! And if you have cinnamon sugar baked pumpkin seeds for dessert – even better! You can also try this easy slow cooker ziti recipe from Build Your Bite. If you want to video of the process, check out this slow cooker baked ziti recipe from The Recipe Rebel!

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