If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that practically makes itself while you relax, this Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. Layered with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and perfectly cooked noodles, this lasagna brings all the delicious flavors you love in a classic Italian dish without all the fuss. The slow cooker turns this into a set-it-and-forget-it masterpiece, making dinner a breeze even on the busiest days. Trust me, once you try this version, your crockpot will become your new best friend for weeknight meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Lasagna Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the robust meat sauce to the creamy cheese mixture, each component is chosen to create that perfect balance that makes lasagna so irresistible.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory depth and a satisfying protein base.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the savory notes with its warm, fragrant punch.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: Brings rich tomato goodness and spices in every bite.
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Enhances the sauce’s texture and fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Italian herbs that marry all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to your sauce.
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles: Softens perfectly in the crockpot for that ideal tender bite.
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy, luscious layer that’s mildly tangy and rich.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ricotta mixture for smooth, firm layers.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey cheesiness in every forkful.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, sharp finish to the top layer.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, vibrant garnish for color and brightness.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef turns golden brown and the onions soften up nicely. Add the minced garlic and let it cook briefly until fragrant—just about a minute. Drain off any extra fat to keep the sauce delicious but not greasy. Next, stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all those lovely flavors can meld perfectly before you remove it from the heat.
Step 2: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a small bowl, beat the ricotta cheese together with the egg until smooth and creamy. This ensures the ricotta will set nicely as it cooks, giving you beautifully defined layers and a texture that’s rich yet light.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers in the Crockpot
Lightly grease the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot to prevent sticking and make serving easier. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce directly on the bottom. Then, layer the uncooked lasagna noodles on top—you can break them up to fit the size of your crockpot. Following the noodles, spread a third of the ricotta mixture, add a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese. Repeat this sequence two more times, making sure you end up with a final generous layer of meat sauce, then top it all off with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This layering builds that classic lasagna texture and flavor without ever heating up your oven.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for 4 to 5 hours until the noodles are tender and everything is bubbly and melded together beautifully. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often as it slows down the cooking! When the time’s up, turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna rest for 20 to 30 minutes—it helps everything set perfectly for clean slices and the best texture.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already stunning dish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top right before serving. It adds a splash of vibrant green color and a touch of fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens each bite. If you like a little more zest, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an exciting twist.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. A simple green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while garlic bread or warm focaccia offers an irresistible accompaniment for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a healthy, savory balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style presentation, serve the lasagna straight from the crockpot, letting everyone dig in. Alternatively, use individual ramekins for personal-sized portions during a dinner party—they’re charming and perfect for elegant plating. You can also layer extra veggies like spinach, zucchini ribbons, or mushrooms between the layers to customize your lasagna and sneak in some greens.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover Crockpot Lasagna Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. It reheats beautifully without losing its flavor or texture, making it a fantastic option for next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
Want to plan ahead? Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe crockpot insert or dish before cooking, cover it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook as directed. This makes it a brilliant meal prep option that feels like a homemade treat anytime.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your leftover lasagna is in the oven or microwave. For the oven, cover it with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the cheesy layers. Let it rest a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this Crockpot Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! No-boil noodles are ideal for slow cooker lasagna because they soften perfectly during the long cooking process, making your assembly even easier and ensuring tender layers without pre-cooking.
Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?
Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms is a fantastic way to boost nutrition and flavor. Simply layer thinly sliced veggies between the noodles and cheese so they cook evenly in the crockpot.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
Drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef and avoid adding too much tomato liquid. Using thick marinara and crushed tomatoes helps keep the lasagna from becoming soggy while still delivering plenty of sauce.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
It’s best to keep quantities suitable for your crockpot size. If doubling, use a larger slow cooker or make two separate batches to ensure even cooking and proper layering.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish?
No worries! Dried parsley or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs work fine too, or you could simply serve it without garnish and still enjoy every delicious bite of this Crockpot Lasagna Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Lasagna Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort food favorites for busy days and cozy nights. The way the flavors meld together with minimal effort is simply magical. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s warm and inviting. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for your crockpot a lot more often!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American classic prepared in a slow cooker. Layers of seasoned ground beef simmered in marinara sauce, creamy ricotta cheese mixed with egg, tender lasagna noodles, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan come together to create a delicious and hearty meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture & Layers
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with diced onion until browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant. Drain any excess fat before proceeding.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese with the egg until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring even layering in the lasagna.
- Layer the Lasagna: Lightly grease the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit as necessary. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of meat sauce followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat layering two more times, ensuring you finish with a generous top layer of sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook in Crockpot: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4–5 hours, or until the lasagna noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the lasagna rest inside the crockpot for 20–30 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use oven-ready noodles for best texture and convenience.
- Add spinach or zucchini between layers for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- You can assemble the lasagna the night before, keep it refrigerated, and cook it the next day for easy meal prep.
