Crockpot lasagna is the ultimate comfort food made with minimal effort. This slow-cooker recipe layers tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this lasagna will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Other Ingredients:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Steps to Make Crockpot Lasagna
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Cheeses:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Lasagna in the Crockpot:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Break lasagna noodles to fit and layer them over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of meat sauce and repeat the process: noodles, cheese, and sauce until all ingredients are used. End with a layer of meat sauce.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Slice and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Lasagna
- Choose High-Quality Sauce: A good marinara sauce makes all the difference.
- No Need to Pre-Cook Noodles: The uncooked noodles will soften perfectly in the crockpot.
- Don’t Overcook: Check the lasagna at the lower end of the cooking time to avoid mushy noodles.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Free Cooking: The crockpot does all the work for you.
- Family Favorite: A comforting classic everyone will love.
- Customizable: Use your favorite meats, sauces, and cheeses.
- Leftovers Are Amazing: Tastes even better the next day!
Make this crockpot lasagna today for a no-fuss dinner that’s packed with flavor. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy everyone’s favorite Italian classic!
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