If you are craving a comforting, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious meal, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta soaking up rich marinara sauce, layered with savory Italian sausage, creamy cottage cheese, and generous amounts of mozzarella and parmesan melted to perfection—all slow-cooked to meld flavors beautifully without any fuss. Perfect for busy days or cozy dinners, this dish brings classic Italian flavors to your table with minimal hands-on time and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the heart and soul of this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of texture, flavor, or color, creating a balanced, hearty dish that everyone will love.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Provides a robust and savory base with a lively kick that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
- Dried ziti pasta (1 lb): The sturdy shape holds creamy sauce well and offers a satisfying bite once cooked in the crock pot.
- Marinara sauce (2 jars, 24 oz each): Adds rich tomato flavor and moisture, making every bite saucy and comforting.
- Cottage cheese (4 cups): Introduces a creamy, mild tanginess that balances the richness of the sausage and cheeses.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheese mixture together to create luscious, cheesy layers that stay intact.
- Parsley (1 Tbsp): Brightens the dish with a hint of herbal freshness and subtle earthiness.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into gooey pockets of stretchy, mild cheese that make baked ziti irresistible.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, savory sharpness that accents the mozzarella and enhances every layer.
How to Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and cooking the Italian sausage until it loses its pink color. This step builds the savory foundation of your dish. Be sure to drain any excess grease so your baked ziti won’t be too oily. After draining, stir in the marinara sauce to coat the sausage evenly, allowing those flavors to marry while you prep other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with one large egg and the parsley. The egg acts as a binder, helping the cottage cheese set nicely during the slow cooking process, while the parsley adds a fresh herbal note that brightens each bite.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Lightly spray your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Start by pouring half of the uncooked ziti into the bottom of the pot; this layer will absorb the sauce and tenderize beautifully as it cooks. Next, add half of your meat sauce evenly over the pasta, then dollop on half of the cottage cheese mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses on top. Repeat these layers once more to build luscious, cheesy layers that bake evenly.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Cover your crock pot and set it to LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 1 to 2 hours. This slow cooking method allows the pasta to cook perfectly in the sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors while the cheeses melt into a bubbly, golden topping. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is tender through and the cheesy layers have beautifully combined.
How to Serve Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect finishing touch to this baked ziti, adding a pop of vibrant green and a sweet, fragrant note. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan is also lovely for guests who want a little sharpness on top.
Side Dishes
Serve this rich, cheesy dish alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or buttered garlic bread for an indulgent carb lover’s dream. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, work beautifully to balance the meal with their fresh crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe in individual ramekins straight from the crock pot. This gives everyone their own bubbly, cheesy portion and makes the meal feel extra special for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. If microwaving, add a splash of water or sauce to keep the pasta moist. In the oven, cover with foil and warm at 350°F until heated through and bubbly again.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work well, but for the best flavor, consider seasoning it with Italian herbs and spices to capture that signature sausage taste.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta for this recipe?
No, that’s the beauty of this recipe—the ziti cooks perfectly in the crock pot along with the sauce and cheese, absorbing all those flavors without any pre-boiling.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have cottage cheese? Can I substitute ricotta?
Ricotta cheese makes a fantastic substitute and will give you a creamier texture while maintaining the richness in the dish.
Is it possible to double the recipe for a larger crowd?
You can double it, but be mindful of your crock pot’s size. If your slow cooker is too small, it may not cook evenly, so consider using two crock pots or making two batches.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a rich, cheesy slow-cooked meal that feels both hearty and effortless, and that’s exactly why the Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe has earned a special place in my recipe rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting dinner for the week, this dish is sure to deliver warmth, flavor, and smiles. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this simple slow cooker wonder!
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Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American casserole recipe, combining savory Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a cheesy blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it simmers slowly in a crock pot until the pasta is cooked through and flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 (24-oz) jars marinara sauce
Pasta and Cheese Mixture
- 1 lb dried ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 4 cups cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tbsp parsley (dried or fresh)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Set the meat sauce mixture aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour half of the uncooked ziti pasta into the bottom of the crock pot. Spread half of the meat sauce over the pasta, then layer with half of the cottage cheese mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated parmesan cheese on top. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
- Cook the Baked Ziti: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 3 to 4 hours or on the HIGH setting for 1 to 2 hours. Cook until the pasta is tender and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, garnish the baked ziti with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use nonstick spray to prevent the pasta from sticking to the crock pot.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase the amount of vegetables or substitute with plant-based sausage.
- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, increase the amount of parmesan cheese by a quarter cup.
- Make sure to check the pasta doneness towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking, as crock pot temperatures may vary.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
