Easy Crock Pot Lasagna

If the thought of making lasagna feels overwhelming, this Easy Crock Pot Lasagna will change your mind. It delivers all the cheesy, hearty goodness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner, this recipe allows you to layer, set, and forget, while your slow cooker works its magic.

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 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 excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
   In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Lasagna in the Crock Pot
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the crock pot.
   • Add a layer of broken lasagna noodles (no need to cook them beforehand).
   • 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, finishing 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 high for 2–3 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Avoid overcooking, as the noodles can become too soft.
5. Let It Rest
   Turn off the heat and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier.

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: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
• Cheese Lovers’ Hack: For an extra cheesy topping, add more mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

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 for oven monitoring, you get all the satisfying layers of meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles with zero fuss. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it recipe that brings everyone to the table.

Serve with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a hug in every bite.