Crock Pot Baked Ziti With Ground Beef

Crock Pot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef is made with ground beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese. This recipe creates a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection. It takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 650 ml jar pasta sauce (about 2 ½ cups)
• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth (or beef or vegetable)
• 375 gram box Ziti pasta (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti with Ground Beef

1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion until browned.
2. Add Seasoning: Stir in garlic, salt, basil, and parsley; cook for 1 minute. (Optional: Add raw onion and spices directly to slow cooker to save time.)
3. Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Add beef mixture, diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and broth to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir well.
4. Cook the Sauce: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
5. Add Pasta: Turn slow cooker to high, add the dry ziti pasta, and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 15–30 minutes, stirring after 15 minutes.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let melt for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Use Pre-Cooked Meat: Save time by using leftover ground beef or sausage.
• Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or stir in spinach for extra veggies.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Stir and check for doneness after 15 minutes to prevent mushy pasta.
• Add Cheese Variety: Try mixing in ricotta or parmesan for a richer taste.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap beef for plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.

What To Serve With Baked Ziti

This baked ziti pairs perfectly with garlic bread, Caesar salad, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the dish well.

How To Store Baked Ziti

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.
Freeze: Freeze cooled ziti in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Baked Ziti Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 587
• Total Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 33g
• Sodium: 1618mg

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes for ziti.

Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it?
No, the pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker.

Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely—try adding chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

Is it okay to skip browning the meat?
Browning adds flavor, but you can add raw meat directly if needed—just ensure it’s fully cooked by the end.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese or omit it entirely.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Baked Beans With Ground Beef
• Crock Pot Asian Beef Stew
• Crock Pot 5 Ingredient Beef Stroganoff