Crock Pot Lasagna Recipe – Super Easy & Delicious!

If you love the taste of classic lasagna but don’t have time to let it bake in the oven for an hour, you are going to love this Crock Pot Lasagna Recipe. Layers of pasta, meat sauce and cheese stacked in your slow cooker and ready to eat when you walk in the door.

Not only is it convenient way to get dinner on the table, it tastes even better than the lasagna that is put in the oven to bake. That is because the slow cooking method allows all those delicious flavors extra time to meld together.

This recipe is ideal for busy days when you crave a comforting homemade meal but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. However it is also a great recipe to take to a work or family potluck because there is no worry that the lasagna will get cold.

However, what I love most about this recipe is that is so versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

For instance, you can switch up type of ground meat and cheese that you use. In addition you can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or make it totally vegetarian. The choice is up to you!

Just be sure to serve the lasagna with a piece or two of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Ingredients

Extra-lean ground beef – Just like when making lasagna soup it is best to use extra lean ground beef so that the sauce doesn’t become too greasy. However, if you want more flavor use ground sausage instead!

Onion ­– Diced yellow or white onion can be used in this crock pot lasagna recipe.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor.

Salt & pepper – Season to taste. I also like to add in a few crushed red pepper flakes to add a little spice to the meat sauce.

Pasta sauce – Use your favorite pasta sauce. Feel free to use 3 cheese, sweet basil, or even pasta sauce with mushrooms. Of course you can make Homemade Pasta Sauce from fresh tomatoes if you have the time.

Lasagna noodles ­– I prefer to use oven-ready lasagna noodles. However standard lasagna noodles will also work in this recipe.

Ricotta cheese – Ricotta cheese is used as the base of the creamy cheese filling.

Mozzarella cheese – It is best to grate fresh Mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese chill until firm and grate. Or you can use pre-shredded cheese although it may not melt as well.

Garnish (optional)­– Garnish the lasagna with chopped fresh basil and/or grated Parmesan cheese.

Steps To Making Lasagna In A Crock Pot

Although there are always several steps to making homemade lasagna, the process is actually very easy.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the ground beef. As the meat browns be sure to chop it into fine crumbles. Once the meat is half way brown add the onions and garlic and continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink.

If you need to, drain the meat mixture and return it to the skillet.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Add salt & pepper and 1 jar of the pasta sauce. Then stir until the meat is evenly coated. Turn the heat to low.

Step 3: Prepare The Slow Cooker

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Or add a slow cooker liner if you want the clean up to be even easier!

Step 4: Add Meat Sauce

Spoon a little meat sauce over the bottom of the slow cooker. It doesn’t have to be a thick layer. However you do want a thin layer across the entire surface.

Step 5: Add The Lasagna Noodles

Add a single layer of lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce that is in the bottom of the crock pot. You will need to break them to get them into the curved edges.

Step 6: Spread The Cheese On Top

Mix the Ricotta and 1 cup of the Mozzarella cheese together. Then divide the cheese mixture into 3 equal portions. Spread one portion (1/3 of the cheese) on top of the noodles.

Step 6: Repeat The Layers

Repeat 2 more layers by adding meat sauce, lasagna noodles and the cheese mixture.

Step 7: Add The Final Toppings

Add one final layer of lasagna noodles. Then pour the other jar of tomato sauce overtop of the noodles. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese over top of the sauce. Finally, pour water down one of the sides, being sure not to pour it over the lasagna.

Step 8: Set The Cook Time & Serve

Cook on HIGH POWER for 3 hours, or on LOW for 6 hours. Slice and serve with chopped basil and/or grated Parmesan cheese.

Crock Pot Lasagna Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. each salt & pepper
• 5 cups pasta sauce
• 1 lb. lasagna noodles, uncooked
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese (fix in recipe card)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

In a large skillet brown the ground beef over med-high heat. When the beef is half cooked, add the diced onion, garlic and continue to cook until the meat is no longer pink.

*If there is too much grease in the skillet, drain and return the meat to the skillet.

Add salt, pepper and 1 jar of pasta sauce, then stir until the meat is coated. Turn the heat down to low.

Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a slow cooker liner bag for easy clean up. Place a little bit of meat sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker, lightly covering the bottom surface.

Add uncooked lasagna noodles (breaking them to fit as needed to cover the bottom of the slow cooker).

Mix the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese together. Then divide the cheese mixture into 3 equal portions.

Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles. Then add 1/3rd of the the meat sauce.

Repeat (lasagna noodles, cheese and meat sauce) until you have 3 total layers. Then add one final layer of lasagna noodles on top.

Pour the other jar of tomato sauce over top of the pasta, then evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Pour water dow the side of the crockpot, avoiding pouring over the lasagna.

Cook on HIGH POWER for 3 hours, or on LOW for 6 hours.

Serve and garnish the crock pot lasagna with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy! Mary

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