Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (2024)

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If you need an easy dinner idea, trycrock pot meatballs and pasta. It only has 4 ingredients and the crock pot does all the work for amazing comfort food your family will love.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (1)

Crock pot meatballs and pasta

This crock pot recipe is perfect for any day of the week because the slow cooker makes it so easy! Toss it all in the crock pot before you leave for the day and come home to dinner waiting.

Serve it with a salad and you have a complete meal. It is so easy!

We make this meal all the time because the kids go crazy over it and it is simple and frugal. Throw in some garlic bread and you are set.

You don’t have to serve it with bread but we love to dip it in the spaghetti sauce. Yum!

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (2)

Ingredients

I love that this recipe only has 4 ingredients – it is completely fool-proof! No fancy ingredients needed and there isn’t any time consuming prep work involved.

  • Ziti or Rigatoni – You can also use spaghetti
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Meatballs- We used frozen meatballs.
  • Cheese

This recipe is that simple. The ingredients all blend together for such an amazing Italian flavor after being slow cooked all day.

It is perfect for busy weeks, family dinners and more. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (3)

How to make crock pot meatballs and pasta

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (4)

First, get your spaghetti sauce ready to pour into the crock pot. You can stir in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning into the spaghetti sauce for even more flavor.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (5)

Now just alternate ½ the pasta, meatballs and sauce. You do not have to cook the pasta before adding it in. It will cook in the crock pot.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (6)

Then keep alternating the sauce, noodles and meatballs until you have put all of the ingredients in the crock pot.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (7)

Next, add cheese and the remaining pasta and meatballs and sauce. It is looking amazing already.

Then add the lid, cover and cook.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (8)

Finally, top with Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese right before you are ready to eat. You can also add in some bread crumbs. I told you this recipe was so simple! You get all the baked ziti without all the work.

Cook on high for 3 hours or cook on low for 6 hours. The cook time will vary depending on how fast the pasta is cooked and tender.

Serving ideas:

  • Easy Caesar Salad or a simple side salad
  • Steamed Broccoli – This takes just minutes in the microwave for an easy side dish.
  • Roasted Green Beans
  • Homemade Garlic Bread – We freeze this and it is so quick and easy.
  • Garlic Bread Cheese sticks
Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (9)

Can I put uncooked noodles in crock pot?

Yes! We love recipes like this because it cuts down on prep work and requires less pots and pans.

It is so much easier and less clean up.

Do you have to brown meatballs first?

You do not have to brown the meatballs first. Toss everything in the crock pot and enjoy a great meal in a few hours.

This recipe is so easy and a great recipe for busy weeknights.

This recipe is frugal!

This is one of those recipes thatonce you try it, you will put into your regular meal plan rotation. We love it, because we often get the ingredients for really cheap thanks to sales and coupons.

Our family loved this spaghetti and meatballs.

Variations:

  • The great thing about this recipe is you can change the recipe to adapt to what you have on hand. You can use ground beef instead of the meatballs if you have that in your freezer.
  • Another idea is to use ground turkey instead and your family will never notice the difference. You could toss in pepperonis or add in mushrooms for an even different flavor.
  • This pasta recipe can easily use Italian sausages. We also like to sometimes add a ricotta mixture to pasta dishes.
  • It is really good with onions and green peppers.
Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (10)

This deliciouscrockpot baked meatballs recipe is sure to be a family favorite.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (11)

Give it a try!

Your house will smell amazing as this cooks. I think your family will really enjoy this easy slow cooker recipe.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (12)

Tips for Crock pot baked pasta with meatballs:

  • Make sure to have a good crockpot to make this Crock Pot Meatball Casserole. If you are in the market for something new,I really love my Instant Pot Aura. The nice thing about this is youcan brown the meat in the same slow cooker for recipes that call for that.
  • Another favorite is thisprogrammable crock potfor when I am am not at home all day. I love coming home to a nice meal ready and waiting!
Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (13)
  • I also have one of thecasserole crock pot. It is perfect for casserole style slow cooker recipes like this one.
Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (14)

Print this crock pot meatballs and pasta recipe below:

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (15)

Review

Pin Print

Crock Pot Baked Pasta with Meatballs

4.93 from 53 votes

This Crock pot Baked Pasta with Meatballs recipe is tasty and takes minutes to toss in your crockpot. Slow cooker pasta bake with meatballs is so easy.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 8 -10

Cuisine Italian

Course Main Course

Calories 533

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ziti or Rigatoni
  • (2) 24 oz jars Spaghetti Sauce
  • 1 lb frozen pre-cooked Meatballs
  • 2 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

  • Rinse pasta in warm water and allow to drain.

  • Pour ½ a jar of sauce on bottom of slow cooker.

  • Add ½ pasta.

  • Add ½ meatballs.

  • Add ½ jar sauce on top of meatballs.

  • Add 1 cup cheese.

  • Add remaining pasta, then remaining meatballs.

  • Add remaining Sauce, then cheese.

  • Cook on low for 6 hours.

Recipe Notes

Serve with Parmesan cheese and your favorite salad.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 533kcal, Carbohydrates 52g, Protein 29g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 10g, Cholesterol 71mg, Sodium 1302mg, Potassium 884mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 9g, Vitamin A 1025IU, Vitamin C 12.3mg, Calcium 331mg, Iron 3.2mg

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More Easy Italian recipes:

  • Easy Pasta Bake
  • Crockpot Italian Pork Chop Dinner
  • Italian Chicken Soup in the crockpot

More crock pot meatballs recipes

  • Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe
  • Crock Pot Meatball Stew Recipe
  • Crockpot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
  • Crock pot Sweet and Sour meatballs

If you like this recipes, be sure to check out all of our Crock Pot Recipes here.

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (16)

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About the Author

Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (25)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Crockpot Baked Pasta with Meatballs Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you cook dry pasta in crockpot? ›

Broth-based slow cooker dinners need their dry pasta added at just the right moment — add the pasta too early and your noodles will be mushy before they get to the table. Adding dry pasta 30 to 4o minutes before serving means you'll have perfectly cooked pasta in your soup.

Can you overcook pasta in slow cooker? ›

When cooking pasta in the slow cooker, we recommend using thicker pasta noodles to help prevent overcooking. Try out fettuccine or bow tie, especially if it's your first go at it. Once you've started cooking, check the noodles every few minutes to see if they're fully cooked.

Can I bake in my crockpot? ›

You can fit a 1-quart round baking dish with a lid, as well as a 2-quart round baking dish with a lid, into your 5- or 6-quart round slow cooker. You can also fit a 6½” or 7” springform pan into either of those round slow cookers. For individual desserts and breads, I'd recommend a 6-quart oval slow cooker.

How long do frozen meatballs take in the crockpot? ›

How to Cook Frozen Meatballs in the Crockpot
  • Add your frozen, fully cooked meatballs to the slow cooker. Pour in your preferred sauce and give it a stir to coat the meatballs. ...
  • Cook on low for four to six hours. Ensure your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Sep 1, 2022

How long does uncooked pasta take in slow cooker? ›

Cooking pasta in a slow cooker is not recommended because it can become mushy. If you do choose to cook pasta in a slow cooker, use a short, small pasta shape and add at least 6 cups of liquid for every 1 pound of pasta. Cook on high for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

How do you keep pasta from getting soggy in a slow cooker? ›

You can use slow cookers to make pasta as long as you don't mix the pasta in with the sauce and leave it sitting in the slow cooker for an extended period of time. Doing so will result in pasta that is mushy, soggy and unappetizing. For best results, keep the pasta separate until serving.

Why did my noodles turn to mush in the crockpot? ›

Why did my noodles turn to mush in the crockpot? One of the most common reasons for mushy noodles is overcooking. Pasta, including noodles, has a relatively short cooking time compared to other ingredients typically prepared in a crockpot.

Do you cook pasta on high or low? ›

Fill a large saucepan with water and place over high heat. Be sure to use a big enough saucepan to allow the pasta plenty of room to cook properly.

How long does dry pasta take to cook? ›

Most dried ribbons of pasta such as linguine, spaghetti and tagliatelle take between 8-10 mins. Shorter, thicker pasta shapes like bows or penne take 10-12mins and fresh pasta such as ravioli and tortellini will be done between 3-5mins.

What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
  1. Raw Meat.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Pasta.
  4. Rice.
  5. Delicate Vegetables.
  6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
  7. Dairy.
  8. Wine and Other Liquor.
Jan 19, 2024

What is the difference between a slow cooker and a crockpot? ›

They are essentially two terms for the same thing. Crock Pot is just a trademarked name for a certain brand of slow cooker that uses a crockery insert as a cooking vessel. Agree with most of the answers. “Crock Pot” is a brand name, and the brand name of the first popular slow cooker.

Can I use a crockpot instead of a slow cooker? ›

A slow cooker and a Crockpot are the same thing, essentially. A slow cooker is an appliance of which there are lots of brands. Crockpot is one brand of slow cooker. Crockpot popularized slow cookers when they launched their version in the 1970s.

Can I put frozen meatballs in sauce? ›

Of course, you can. Most frozen meatballs you buy in the store are already cooked. But even if you made your own and froze them without cooking them, they can still be gently cooked in a pot of sauce. However, they may fall apart, so cooking them in one layer is preferred, and the texture might be a bit soft.

Should I thaw frozen meatballs before baking? ›

No, you do not have to thaw frozen meatballs before cooking them in sauce. In fact, cooking them frozen can help them hold their shape better. Here are some tips for cooking frozen meatballs in sauce: Heat your sauce of choice in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Should I thaw frozen meatballs before putting them in slow cooker? ›

Fully cooked frozen meatballs will cook in a crockpot over low heat for 3-4 hours. The internal temperature of the ground beef meatballs should be 160º when completely cooked. Do you thaw meatballs before putting them in a crockpot? Nope!

Can you put dry pasta in sauce to cook? ›

Cook pasta directly in the sauce to save time and cleanup

As an added bonus America's Test Kitchen says that cooking your pasta in the sauce instead of just tossing it will add more flavor directly to the pasta.

Is it OK to cook dry pasta in sauce? ›

By skipping the separate boiling of the pasta and instead adding the dried noodles straight to the sauce, you can make a weeknight-friendly meal in just one pot. Bonus: It makes the pasta more flavorful, too.

Can you cook dry pasta without boiling water? ›

Cover pasta with cold water in a relatively small pot. Put it over a burner. Stir it a few times as it heats up, then leave it alone. And it comes out perfectly fine.

Can you cook things dry in a slow cooker? ›

Lean, tender (and usually more expensive cuts) will actually become dry and tough if you cook them in a slow cooker! Choose cuts of meat that are considered “tough” cuts. These include shoulders, shanks, chuck and cheeks. The tough connective tissue and fat actually becomes tender and tasty when it's slow cooked.

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