Description
Crockpot Lasagna takes the classic layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and makes it easier than ever. This hands-off recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a comforting, cheesy dinner with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Cooking spray, for greasing
- 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 jars (650 mL each) tomato sauce (marinara or pasta sauce)
- 1 pound uncooked lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 1 tub (475g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup water
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until almost browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the onions are softened.
- Add one jar of tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine. Remove from heat.
- Grease the Slow Cooker:
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them into pieces to fit.
- Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until the slow cooker is full, typically three layers.
- Pour the second jar of tomato sauce evenly over the top layer and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Add Water:
- Pour ½ cup of water along the sides of the lasagna to help the noodles cook evenly.
- Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Slice and serve warm directly from the crockpot.
Notes
- Use high-quality marinara or pasta sauce for the best flavor.
- Slightly undercook if you plan to reheat leftovers; the noodles will continue to soften.
- Customize layers with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian