There’s something deeply comforting about a big, bubbling dish of lasagna, and this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna brings all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave with a fraction of the fuss. Imagine rich layers of seasoned meat, creamy ricotta, hearty noodles, and golden mozzarella, all melded together slowly until every bite bursts with Italian-American flavor. With just a handful of classic ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you can create a crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—even if you barely lifted a finger!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna a weeknight hero is its simplicity: each ingredient plays a role in building flavor, texture, and that signature lasagna indulgence. Here’s the lineup that’ll transform your slow cooker into an Italian trattoria.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: The base of any classic lasagna, lending richness and plenty of flavor—feel free to use a mix for an extra punch!
- Onion: Chopped and sautéed for sweetness and depth, onion is the comforting background singer in every bite.
- Garlic: Bold, fragrant, and absolutely essential—don’t skip these minced cloves for true Italian flair.
- Marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade, a jar of marinara adds bright tomato flavor and a bit of sweetness to the mix.
- Tomato sauce: Rounds out the marinara and ensures your lasagna stays saucy, not dry.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings a burst of herby aroma and ties every component together.
- Salt & pepper: Just enough to make all the flavors pop, but easy to adjust to your own taste.
- No-boil lasagna noodles: The ultimate timesaver—they soften beautifully as they soak up all the sauce and flavor while cooking.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta creates luscious layers that balance out the meat and sauce.
- Large egg: Mixed with ricotta, it helps everything hold together for perfect slices.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, gooey deliciousness—you just can’t have lasagna without it.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and bold, Parmesan brings that irresistible layer of umami.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped for color and a final hit of freshness, it’s your little sprinkle of green heaven.
- Nonstick spray or oil: For greasing the slow cooker—crucial for easy serving, so nothing sticks or burns!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef or Italian sausage. As it sizzles, break it up with a spoon and stir in your chopped onion. Cooking these together for about 6–8 minutes unlocks a savory, mouthwatering base. When the meat’s mostly browned and your kitchen smells fabulous, toss in the garlic and let that warmth bloom for just another minute to bring out its best.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce
Once the meat mixture is ready, carefully drain any extra fat—this keeps the lasagna from turning greasy. Next, stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, so the flavors mingle and your sauce thickens into a hearty, delicious layer that’s destined for greatness.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Layer
In a small bowl, stir together your ricotta cheese, a large egg, and that optional, fragrant parsley. The egg binds the cheese so your lasagna layers don’t slip and slide, while the parsley adds fresh color and a little herbal nudge. This creamy mixture will provide those signature pockets of richness in each bite.
Step 4: Layer It Up in the Slow Cooker
Generously coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a drizzle of oil. Spoon a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom—this keeps your noodles from sticking and starts the layering magic. Add a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles next, breaking them to fit as needed. Then, dollop on a portion of the ricotta mixture and spread it out gently. Sprinkle a hearty handful of mozzarella over top. Keep repeating: sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, until everything is gone, making sure your last layer is sauce topped with a big cheesy crown of mozzarella.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low. Let your Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna cook gently for 4–5 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is bubbling. The smell as it simmers will have everyone asking, “Is it ready yet?” Resist the temptation to check too often—leave the lid on for best results.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
When the slow cooker dings, leave the lid off and let your masterpiece rest for about 15 minutes. This time helps everything set for clean, satisfying slices. Your patience will be rewarded when you reveal those gorgeous, defined layers!
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna
Garnishes
Top your Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or even basil for that beautiful pop of green. A dusting of extra grated Parmesan right before serving can’t hurt either. If you love a little heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the table—let everyone customize their own slice!
Side Dishes
Lasagna’s best friends are the classics: offer slices alongside a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance all that richness. Garlic bread or a buttery baguette will soak up every last drop of sauce. For an extra veggie boost, try roasted broccoli or zucchini on the side, which add color and a welcome crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy—show off your Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna! Arrange slices on a wide platter for big family gatherings, or create individual servings in shallow bowls. For a fun twist, cut the lasagna into squares and serve as hearty appetizers at parties with toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping. Leftover slices even make incredible sandwiches the next day layered with extra cheese on crusty bread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna is pure gold for busy days. Cool any remaining slices to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavor only improves as everything melds together.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly or use a freezer-safe container. Pop the date and label on there for easy meal planning. You can freeze portions for up to three months. To avoid freezer burn, make sure everything is well-sealed and cooled before freezing.
Reheating
To bring your Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna back to life, reheat slices in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, or warm them in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) until heated through. Both methods deliver gooey cheese and tender noodles—just like day one!
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta in this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese is a slightly lighter alternative to ricotta and gives a similar creamy effect. Just drain any extra liquid before mixing with the egg to keep your layers nice and firm.
Do I have to use no-boil noodles for slow cooker lasagna?
No-boil noodles are quick and convenient, but if you only have regular lasagna noodles, you can use them—just know they might need a little extra cooking time to get perfectly tender. Make sure your sauce is extra saucy so the noodles have enough moisture!
Can I make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the meat and saute some mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead. These veggies add great flavor and hearty texture, making the dish satisfying even without meat.
What size slow cooker works best?
A standard 6-quart oval slow cooker fits a whole batch of lasagna perfectly. If your slow cooker is smaller, you may need to reduce the ingredient amounts or cook in two batches.
Can I assemble Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. The next day, simply pop it into the cooker and cook as directed—how’s that for easy dinner prep?
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about the layers and flavors in a homemade lasagna, and with Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna, you get all of the comfort and none of the stress. Give this recipe a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, your friends and family will rave, and you’ll have a new go-to favorite for relaxed, delicious dinners!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a classic Italian-American favorite without all the fuss. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and gooey mozzarella meld together perfectly in the slow cooker for a comforting meal that practically makes itself.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Layers:
- 1 box no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Nonstick spray or oil for greasing the slow cooker
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with the egg and parsley.
- Layer the Lasagna: Grease the slow cooker insert. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit. Spread some of the ricotta mixture on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted. Let rest uncovered for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can make this vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For extra richness, add a layer of béchamel sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
