Introduction:
Crockpot lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. This slow-cooked version delivers all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna with minimal effort. The layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese come together in the crockpot for a simple, yet satisfying meal. Set it in the morning and come home to a warm, perfectly cooked lasagna, ready to enjoy. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the cheese layer:
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Other ingredients:
9-12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken into pieces if necessary)
Instructions:
Prepare the meat sauce:
In a skillet, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Prepare the cheese mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley (if using). Stir until well combined.
Layer the lasagna:
In the bottom of a slow cooker, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break them to fit if needed), followed by more sauce, then a layer of the cheese mixture.
Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese on top.
Cook the lasagna:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Avoid lifting the lid during the cooking time to retain moisture.
Serve:
Once cooked, let the lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Description:
This Crockpot Lasagna is the epitome of convenience without sacrificing flavor. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite rich and satisfying. The layers of tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese come together beautifully in this hands-off dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for cozy family dinners.
Tips:
If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can swap the meat for veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
You can use no-boil lasagna noodles for even more convenience, but you might need to adjust the sauce amounts slightly for proper coverage.
If you like your lasagna extra cheesy, feel free to add extra mozzarella or ricotta cheese between the layers.
To ensure the lasagna doesn’t dry out, use a bit more sauce if you’re cooking for the maximum time (6 hours).
Variations:
Vegetarian Crockpot Lasagna: Swap out the meat for a variety of vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also use a ricotta-spinach filling for added texture.
Chicken Lasagna: Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of ground beef or sausage for a lighter alternative.
White Sauce Lasagna: Use a creamy white sauce (like Alfredo) instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free option.
Correction:
Ensure the lasagna noodles are not over-layered, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on the amount of liquid in your sauce and the thickness of the noodle layers. If using no-boil noodles, be sure there is enough sauce to properly cook them.
Enjoy:
Now that your Crockpot Lasagna is ready, gather around the table and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please everyone. Pair it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience!