Make slow cooker lasagna with simple ingredients and hands-off cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- True dump-and-layer crockpot recipe
- No pre-cooking noodles
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8–10 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken to fit)
- ¼ cup water or broth
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Zucchini slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain excess grease.
- Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add a layer of broken lasagna noodles.
- Spread ricotta mixture, then sprinkle mozzarella.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with sauce and mozzarella.
- Pour water around edges (not directly on top).
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
Tips & Variations
- Use no-boil noodles for foolproof results
- Swap beef for ground turkey or sausage
- Add spinach for extra nutrition
- Let the lasagna rest before serving for clean slices
- Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Simple green salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 26g
Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Lasagna proves that classic comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With minimal prep and big flavor, it’s a reliable dinner win perfect for busy families and cozy nights at home.
FAQ
Can I freeze crockpot lasagna?
Yes, freeze fully cooked and cooled lasagna for up to 3 months.
Do I need to cook the noodles first?
No, the noodles cook perfectly in the crockpot.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely skip the meat and add vegetables.
How do I prevent watery lasagna?
Use thick sauce and let the lasagna rest before serving.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese works well as a substitute.