Crockpot Lasagna
Crockpot Lasagna
Enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without turning on the oven. This Crockpot Lasagna combines layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, slowly cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s an easy, hands-off way to prepare a classic Italian-inspired favorite that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lasagna noodles | 9 sheets |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Italian sausage | ½ pound |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 3 |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can (28 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish |
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned and fully cooked while breaking the meat into crumbles.
Drain any excess grease. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for several minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes aromatic.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, and oregano to the skillet.
Season with salt and pepper, then stir until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread a small amount of meat sauce across the bottom of the slow cooker to help prevent sticking.
Arrange three lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit.
Top with a layer of ricotta cheese, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Continue layering sauce, noodles, and cheeses until all ingredients have been used, ending with a final layer of sauce and cheese.
Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, depending on your slow cooker.
The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and the cheese is hot, melted, and bubbly.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after cooking to make serving easier.
If desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before slicing into portions.
Step 6: Enjoy
Serve warm with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Store leftover lasagna in a sealed container in the refrigerator for several days and reheat as needed.
This slow-cooked version delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with minimal effort, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
