If you’re craving all the comfort and flavor of classic lasagna but want to skip the fuss, this Crockpot Lasagna is about to become your new best friend. Tender noodles, rich beefy sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese layer themselves into a mouthwatering masterpiece with almost no effort. Just a handful of simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker are all you need for a family favorite that bubbles away while you get on with your day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or planning make-ahead meals, this Crockpot Lasagna delivers big Italian flavor in the easiest, coziest way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crockpot Lasagna is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something essential to the table, whether that’s savory depth, creamy richness, or a pop of color. Don’t underestimate the power of these staples to create something spectacular!
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage): Choose whichever you love for a hearty, savory base—sausage adds extra spice, while beef is classic and comforting.
- Onion: Diced onion softens and sweetens as it cooks, building a savory foundation for the sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce irresistible aroma and that true Italian flair.
- Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce saves time and infuses the lasagna with tangy, herby tomato flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: This creamy layer keeps things moist and adds a gentle richness that’s absolutely essential.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for those classic, stretchy cheese pulls—reserve some for the golden top!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A little goes a long way in boosting the cheesy, nutty flavor profile.
- Egg: The secret to a perfectly set, velvety ricotta mixture.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out the “pizzeria” flavor in every bite.
- Uncooked lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready): No pre-boiling needed—they soak up all the saucy goodness right in the crockpot.
- Salt: Just enough to make every ingredient sing.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creamy and savory notes.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Sprinkle over the top for a fresh, colorful finish that makes it look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning your ground beef (or sausage) and diced onion together in a skillet over medium heat. This is where the flavor foundation begins—let the meat get nicely browned for depth, and cook the onion until it’s soft and fragrant. Toss in the minced garlic for a quick 30-second sizzle, then drain off any excess grease. Finally, stir in your favorite marinara sauce and let it all simmer together for a couple of minutes, just until it’s bubbling and rich.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, the Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This cheesy blend is what gives Crockpot Lasagna its signature creamy, melty middle, and the egg helps it set up perfectly during cooking.
Step 3: Layer Everything in the Crockpot
Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker so nothing sticks later (a quick spritz of cooking spray does the trick). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom—this helps keep the noodles from sticking and starts the layering off right. Break the uncooked lasagna noodles to fit your crockpot, making a single layer. Add a generous scoop of the cheese mixture, then more meat sauce. Keep layering: noodles, cheese, sauce, and repeat until everything’s used up, finishing with a final layer of sauce and the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella on top.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours. During this time, the noodles will soften and soak up all those amazing flavors, and the cheese will melt into gooey deliciousness. When it’s done, take the lid off and let the lasagna rest for about 10–15 minutes—this helps it set up so you can slice perfect squares.
Step 5: Add Fresh Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. It adds a burst of color and a fresh aroma that makes every bite feel extra special. Now, just slice and serve—get ready for happy faces around your table!
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the finishing touch! A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brings a bright, herby contrast to the rich, cheesy layers. If you want to go even fancier, add a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
Crockpot Lasagna is a showstopper on its own, but it’s even better with a light, crisp salad (think arugula or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette) or some garlicky bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. A side of roasted vegetables also pairs beautifully, rounding out the meal with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Crockpot Lasagna extra special for guests, cut it into neat squares and serve on individual plates with a swirl of extra sauce and a basil leaf on top. Or, make it party-style: let everyone scoop their own from the pot for a cozy, family-style vibe. For potlucks, try baking it in individual ramekins for adorable, single-serve portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Lasagna keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often get even better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
This dish is a freezer superstar. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. It’s perfect for meal prep or surprise guests—just thaw and reheat when ready.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual slices until hot, or warm larger amounts in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 25 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Add a splash of extra marinara if things look a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use oven-ready noodles instead of regular noodles?
You can, but regular uncooked noodles actually work best here! They soak up the sauce without becoming mushy, so there’s no need for the oven-ready kind in Crockpot Lasagna.
What’s the best way to add veggies?
Sneak in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even thinly sliced zucchini between the layers for an extra boost of color and nutrition—just be sure to pre-cook watery veggies so your lasagna doesn’t get soggy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles or load up on roasted vegetables. Use a vegetarian marinara, and you’ll have a delicious meatless Crockpot Lasagna everyone will love.
How do I keep the lasagna from sticking to the crockpot?
Lightly greasing the crockpot before assembling your layers does the trick. You can also use a parchment paper sling if you want super-easy removal of the entire lasagna.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
If your crockpot is large enough, you can increase the ingredients, but keep an eye on the cooking time—larger batches might need a little extra time to let the noodles cook through evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how easy and delicious Crockpot Lasagna turns out—every bite is pure comfort. If you’ve never tried making lasagna in your slow cooker, now’s the time! Gather your ingredients, let the crockpot do the work, and get ready to wow everyone at the table.
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Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna recipe offers a delicious, easy-to-make version of the classic Italian-American dish, perfect for busy days. Combining layers of seasoned ground beef, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it cooks slowly in the crockpot for tender noodles and well-blended flavors without the need to pre-boil your pasta. A comforting, hearty meal ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Others
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular, not oven-ready)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Lasagna: Lightly grease the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom. Break the uncooked lasagna noodles to fit the slow cooker and create a layer. Add a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce. Repeat the layers—noodles, cheese, and sauce—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce topped with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain temperature.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and let the lasagna sit for 10–15 minutes to set before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- No need to pre-boil noodles; regular uncooked lasagna noodles cook perfectly in the crockpot.
- You can add spinach or sautéed mushrooms between layers for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier flavor variation.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest after cooking helps it hold its shape when slicing.
- For a thicker sauce, you can simmer the marinara a bit longer before layering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
