Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot Lasagna is a delicious, slow-cooked twist on the traditional baked favorite. With layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, this version is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without hovering over the stove or oven. Simply assemble the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare and hands-off once assembled
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends
• Great for feeding a family or a crowd
• Customizable with different meats, cheeses, or vegetables
• Tastes even better as leftovers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ground beef
• onion
• garlic
• spaghetti or marinara sauce
• water
• cottage cheese or ricotta
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• grated Parmesan cheese
• egg
• fresh parsley (optional)
• uncooked lasagna noodles
• cooking spray

Directions

this recipe

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with diced onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and water. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together cottage cheese (or ricotta), 1½ cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
3. Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of uncooked noodles, breaking them as needed. Spread some of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
4. Continue layering sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture, ending with sauce. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until noodles are tender.
6. Let rest 15 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours on low
• Total Time: About 4.5–6.5 hours

Variations

• Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef
• Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini
• Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a richer texture
• Go spicy with red pepper flakes or spicy sausage
• Make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding more veggies

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating
• Reheat in microwave for 2–3 minutes or in oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes

FAQs

Can I cook it on high instead of low?

Yes, cook on high for about 3 hours, but check doneness to avoid overcooked noodles.

Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?

No, they cook fully in the crockpot thanks to the sauce and steam.

What’s the best cheese for lasagna?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but provolone or fontina can also work well.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and cook the next day.

What size slow cooker should I use?

A 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, jarred marinara or spaghetti sauce works perfectly and saves time.

How do I prevent sticking?

Use non-stick cooking spray or line the bottom with sauce before layering.

Can I add fresh herbs?

Yes, fresh basil, oregano, or parsley enhance the flavor beautifully.

Will leftovers still taste good?

Yes, in fact, the flavors develop even more after sitting, making it perfect for meal prep.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Freeze after cooking and cool completely for best results.

Conclusion

Crockpot Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food made simple. It delivers all the classic flavors you love with the ease of slow cooking. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a no-fuss dinner, this recipe is a must-try and will likely become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

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