Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – No need to pre-cook the noodles or spend hours in the kitchen.
- Rich and Flavorful – Layers of cheese, meat sauce, and tender pasta make every bite delicious.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Feeds a Crowd – Perfect for serving a family or bringing to potlucks.
- Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Ricotta cheese
- Egg
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- No-boil lasagna noodles
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Meat – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Make the Sauce – Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture – In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the Ingredients – In a greased slow cooker, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of noodles (breaking them if necessary to fit). Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on top. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Cook – Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or until the noodles are tender.
- Rest and Serve – Let the lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on LOW)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 6 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version – Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cheese and a tofu-based ricotta alternative.
- Extra Cheesy – Add an extra layer of cheese between the noodles for a gooier texture.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
How long does lasagna take in a slow cooker?
It typically takes 4-6 hours on LOW. Cooking on HIGH is not recommended as it may dry out the lasagna.
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes, but they may require additional cooking time, or you can pre-cook them slightly before layering.
Do I need to grease the slow cooker?
Yes, lightly greasing the slow cooker prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker, refrigerate it overnight, and cook it the next day.
What’s the best meat for slow cooker lasagna?
Italian sausage adds extra flavor, but ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat work well.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions.
How do I prevent soggy lasagna?
Avoid adding too much liquid to the sauce and use no-boil noodles, which absorb excess moisture.
Can I double the recipe?
If your slow cooker is large enough, you can double the recipe, but cooking time may need to be adjusted.
What cheese can I substitute for ricotta?
Cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and mozzarella works well as an alternative.
Can I cook it on HIGH instead of LOW?
It’s best to cook on LOW for even cooking and to prevent the edges from burning.
Conclusion
Slow cooker lasagna is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that requires minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe delivers the classic lasagna taste without all the hassle. Try it with your favorite variations, and enjoy a warm, cheesy meal straight from your slow cooker!
Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal! Enjoy layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese—all made effortlessly in your crockpot. A comforting, family-friendly dinner with minimal prep time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and garlic until the meat is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Season and add sauce: Stir in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (breaking them to fit as needed).
- Spread a portion of ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Italian cheese blend on top.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until noodles are tender.
- Rest and serve: Let lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if preferred.
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles for a softer texture.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
