This Crockpot Ziti is everything you love about a classic baked pasta dish but made easier and cozier in your slow cooker. Layers of tender pasta, rich meaty tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together effortlessly. The result? A comfort-filled dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or looking for a hearty family dinner, this Crockpot Ziti has your back. No need to boil pasta or babysit the oven—just layer, set, and let the slow cooker work its magic. It’s one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that delivers on both taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Ziti

Set and Forget: Minimal prep time makes this ideal for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults love the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Customizable: Use beef, sausage, or go vegetarian—it all works!
Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into layering your Crockpot Ziti, it’s important to have the right tools on hand to keep things smooth and mess-free:

Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The star of the show! A 6-quart size is ideal to fit all the layers without overflow.
Large Skillet: Essential for browning your ground meat and sautéing onions and garlic for maximum flavor.
Mixing Bowl: To combine ricotta, eggs, and seasonings into a creamy filling.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters when it comes to cheese and sauce ratios.
Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Helps with even layering and mixing without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients for the Crockpot Ziti

Ziti Pasta (uncooked): It absorbs flavor and cooks to perfect tenderness in the crockpot.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Adds heartiness and rich, savory flavor.
Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that elevate the meat sauce.
Marinara Sauce: Forms the saucy base that binds the pasta together.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and slightly tangy, it adds a luscious layer.
Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty top layer everyone craves.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it deepens the flavor profile.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a firmer texture.
Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer.

How To Make the Crockpot Ziti

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until softened. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling

In a mixing bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Grease your crockpot. Start with a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a handful of uncooked ziti, a layer of meat mixture, spoonfuls of the ricotta mix, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of sauce and mozzarella.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted. Avoid overcooking as the pasta can become mushy.

Step 5: Let It Set

Once done, turn off the heat and let the ziti rest for 15 minutes with the lid off. This helps the layers firm up and flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot Ziti

Crockpot Ziti is best served hot and straight from the slow cooker. Spoon generous portions into bowls or onto plates and garnish with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh basil for a finishing touch.

Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies every craving. If you’re entertaining, this dish holds beautifully on the “warm” setting, allowing guests to serve themselves buffet-style.

Storing: Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Freezing: This ziti also freezes well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.