This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory marinara in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep, you can let your slow cooker work its magic, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas for 3 hours. Perfectly tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese create a dish that’s as hearty as it is satisfying.
Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures—soft pasta, velvety cheese, and a hint of herbaceous freshness. Packed with 45g of protein and a balance of flavors, this ziti is a crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy a meal that feels like a warm hug.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground beef or chicken)
- ½ cup onion, chopped (yellow or white onion works best)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 30 ounces spaghetti sauce (2 jars, 15 oz each; use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
- 2 egg whites (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided (reserve ½ cup for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces ziti noodles (1 box, uncooked; penne works as a substitute)
- Nonstick cooking spray or slow cooker liner (for easy cleanup)
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- Brown the turkey and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey and chopped onions until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the meat: Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Add the sauce: Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated. Set aside.
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg whites, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Layer in the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner. Pour 1½ cups of the meat sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer half of the uncooked ziti noodles on top, followed by half of the cheese mixture, and another 1½ cups of sauce. Repeat the layers once more, ending with the remaining sauce.
- Cook: Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, then reduce to low and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the dish is cooked through.
- Add the final cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, your baked ziti is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Creative Sauce and Topping Ideas
Switch up the flavor profile by using a spicy marinara or a roasted garlic tomato sauce for a bold twist. For a creamy option, mix in a 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce with the spaghetti sauce. Top your baked ziti with crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh basil leaves for added texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal. For a lighter side, try steamed broccoli or a zesty arugula salad. Don’t forget a glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon to complement the rich flavors!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it moist.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
Prep your ingredients the night before by browning the turkey and chopping the onions in advance. Use no-boil ziti noodles to skip a step, or swap the ground turkey for pre-cooked Italian sausage for a quicker protein option.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground beef works just as well and adds a richer flavor. Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 30 ounces spaghetti sauce 2 (15 oz) jars, divided
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs, whites
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces ziti noodles 1 box, uncooked
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground turkey with chopped onions.
- Once meat is fully cooked, drain well.
- Mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in spaghetti sauce and stir all together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg whites, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or line with slow cooker liner.
- Pour 1 1/2 cups of sauce in bottom of slow cooker.
- On top of sauce, layer half the noodles, half the cheese mixture, and another 1 1/2 cups of sauce. Repeat the layers twice ending with sauce.
- Cook on high for 30 minutes, and then switch to low for 2-3 hours or until noodles are tender and Ziti is cooked through.
- 10 minutes before serving, top Ziti with remaining mozzarella cheese and continue cooking until melted.