If you love lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Crockpot Lasagna is the perfect solution! With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese, this slow cooker version is just as delicious as the traditional oven-baked dish—but way easier. Simply layer the ingredients, set it, and forget it! Let’s dive into this comforting and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: No boiling noodles or layering in a baking dish—just dump and go!
- Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the work.
- Family-Friendly: A classic dish that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Busy Days: Great for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For Assembly:
- 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked, no-boil noodles work best)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, egg, and parsley until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer 1: Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer 2: Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce (break them to fit if needed).
- Layer 3: Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Layer 4: Add 1 cup of meat sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers (noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce) two more times.
- Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of 3 noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and a generous topping of 2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Lasagna
- Use No-Boil Noodles: These work best in the slow cooker and don’t require pre-cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Check the lasagna at the lower end of the cooking time to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
- Customize the Sauce: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate. Cook it in the slow cooker the next day.
- Double the Recipe: Use a larger slow cooker or halve the recipe for smaller portions.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread for a classic Italian meal.
- With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced dinner.
- As a Main Dish: Enjoy it on its own for a hearty, comforting meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This Crockpot Lasagna simplifies the traditional lasagna-making process without sacrificing flavor. The slow cooker ensures the noodles cook perfectly and the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s a hands-off, fuss-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food.
More Relevant Recipes to Try
If you loved this Crockpot Lasagna, here are some other delicious recipes you might enjoy:
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites and Potatoes: A hearty, one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor.
- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast: A tender and flavorful chicken recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Flavor-Packed Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl: A vibrant and flavorful dish inspired by Mexican street corn.
- Sweet Potato Honey Bun Cake: A decadent and comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Lasagna is a game-changer for anyone who loves lasagna but doesn’t have time to make it the traditional way. With its layers of pasta, meat sauce, and cheese, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy. So grab your slow cooker, layer your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting, cheesy masterpiece!