Easy Crock Pot Lasagna

Suppose you’ve ever felt intimidated by the idea of making lasagna. In that case, this Easy Crock Pot Lasagna recipe will change your mind. It brings all the cheesy, hearty goodness of traditional lasagna with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend dinner, this recipe allows you to layer, set it, and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work, relieving you of the usual lasagna-making stress.

Ingredients

For 6–8 servings:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 24 ounces of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into pieces
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Meat Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with the chopped onion until browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined, then set it aside.

3. Assemble the Lasagna in the Crock Pot

Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock pot. Add a layer of broken lasagna noodles (there’s no need to cook them beforehand). Then, spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous layer of meat sauce and mozzarella on top.

4. Cook the Lasagna

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook, as the noodles may become too soft.

5. Let It Rest

Once cooked, turn off the crock pot and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making the lasagna easier to slice and ensuring that the flavors have fully developed.

Pro Tips for Success

• No Boil, No Problem: Uncooked lasagna noodles absorb the sauce as they cook, making them soft and flavorful.
• Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
• Cheese Lovers’ Hack: Add more mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Crock Pot Lasagna takes the intimidation out of making lasagna without sacrificing flavor or texture. With minimal prep and no need to monitor the oven, you’ll enjoy all the satisfying layers of meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles with zero fuss. It’s an actual set-it-and-forget-it recipe that will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table.

Serve with a fresh green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a comforting hug in every bite!