Tasty Crockpot Cheesy Pasta

Featured in: Main Dishes

This one-pot wonder cooks everything together, even the dry pasta. Great for hectic days with just 15 minutes of prep work.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:12:29 GMT
A fork is lifting a portion of cheesy baked pasta with ground meat and tomato sauce from a dark bowl. Pin it
A fork is lifting a portion of cheesy baked pasta with ground meat and tomato sauce from a dark bowl. | twistytaste.com

When I figured out slow cooker Baked Ziti, it totally changed my dinner game. You get all those yummy Italian flavors without dealing with a hot kitchen or tons of dishes. It's seriously the easiest way to enjoy comfort food with almost zero work.

Why You'll Love This Dish

I've noticed something amazing about pasta in the slow cooker. The flavors get super rich while the noodles soak up all that tasty sauce. You can swap things around based on what's in your fridge too. There's nothing better than walking in the door with dinner already waiting for you.

Must-Have Components

  • Pasta: Go for rotini or penne since they don't get mushy in the slow cooker.
  • Ground Beef: Adds that homey taste, but you can't go wrong with Italian sausage either.
  • Tomato Sauce: Forms the flavorful foundation everyone craves.
  • Cheese: Try my fave combo of ricotta, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
  • Broth: Stops everything from drying out and helps cook the pasta just right.

Easy Cooking Method

Start With Meat:
Brown your beef in a pan first, then dump it into your slow cooker with broth, seasonings and sauce.
Layer In Pasta:
Push every noodle under the liquid so they cook evenly, then set your cooker to high.
Monitor:
Stir occasionally and start checking your pasta after just 15 minutes until it hits the perfect texture.
Finish With Cheese:
Sprinkle loads of cheese on top, put the lid back on and wait for everything to get gooey and amazing.

Cooking Secrets

I found out smaller pasta works way better after some trial and error. Don't forget to check it regularly after the first 15 minutes cause nobody wants soggy pasta. Sometimes I toss in grated veggies or go for spicy sausage when I'm in the mood for something different.

Storing Your Extras

Stick leftover portions in your fridge where they'll last about 3 days. When you warm it up, add a little broth to bring the sauce back to life. This dish also freezes super well for up to 3 months if you're planning ahead.

Switch Things Up

Try using spaghetti for a twist or toss in some Italian sausage when you want a kick. Adding a bit of cream makes everything extra rich. My little ones go crazy when I mix in spinach and carrots, it's such a sneaky way to get them eating veggies.

Lifesaver For Crazy Days

This meal has gotten me through so many chaotic days. You can throw it together in the morning, forget about it while you handle life stuff, and dinner's all set when you need it. And the cleanup? Just one pot to wash afterward!

Fantastic For Big Groups

When I need to feed lots of people, I always turn to this recipe. It's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to tweak for different preferences. Just add a basic salad and some buttery garlic bread for a complete spread everyone will devour.

Tasty And Nutritious

Beyond just being comfort food, this is actually a whole meal in one pot. You get protein from the meat, you can sneak in some veggies for nutrients, and you'll end up with a filling dinner that keeps everyone happy and full.

A white plate holds cheesy rigatoni with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley for garnish. Pin it
A white plate holds cheesy rigatoni with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley for garnish. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Should I boil the pasta beforehand?
Nope, just toss the dry pasta into the slow cooker for the final 15-30 minutes of cooking time.
→ Can I swap out the meat?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different taste.
→ Is it okay to skip the meat browning step?
You can toss raw onion and seasonings straight into the crockpot to save time, but browning does add extra flavor.
→ What's the minimum slow cooker size needed?
Go with a 4-quart slow cooker or bigger to make sure everything fits properly.
→ Why should I pick low sodium broth?
The pasta sauce and cheese already add plenty of salt, so low sodium broth helps keep the dish from getting too salty.

Conclusion

This one-pot wonder cooks everything together, even the dry pasta. Great for hectic days with just 15 minutes of prep work.

Crockpot Cheesy Pasta Dish

A fuss-free twist on the Italian favorite made completely in your crockpot, pasta included. All the yummy flavors with way less work.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef.
02 1 onion, chopped into tiny pieces.
03 1 teaspoon crushed garlic.
04 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
05 1 teaspoon dried basil.
06 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
07 28 ounce can chopped tomatoes.
08 650ml jar spaghetti sauce (2 1/2 cups).
09 2 1/2 cups reduced salt chicken stock.
10 375 gram box ziti or penne pasta.
11 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Brown the beef with onion till no pink remains. Toss in garlic and spices, let cook another minute.

Step 02

Put the cooked meat mix, tomatoes, spaghetti sauce and stock in your slow cooker (needs to be 4qt or bigger). Give it a good stir.

Step 03

Set to low for 6 hours or pick high for 3 hours.

Step 04

Switch to high setting, dump in pasta and mix well. Let it cook 15-30 minutes longer.

Step 05

Sprinkle cheese on top, cover and wait 3-5 minutes until it gets all melty.

Notes

  1. You can skip the meat browning step if you're in a hurry.
  2. Any ground meat works fine in this dish.
  3. The noodles cook right in the sauce mixture.
  4. Take a peek at the pasta after 15 minutes to see if it's done.

Tools You'll Need

  • Slow cooker that's 4-quart or bigger.
  • Big frying pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy stuff (the cheese).
  • Wheat products (the pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 587
  • Total Fat: 26 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 33 g