Crockpot Lasagna has become my go-to weeknight hero, and I can’t wait for you to love it too! There’s something incredibly comforting about digging into a bubbling, cheesy dish that tastes like it simmered all day, but I promise, it’s surprisingly simple. My first attempt at a slow cooker lasagna was a bit messy, but I quickly learned that the slow cooker is the secret to tender noodles and perfectly melded flavors. This easy crockpot lasagna recipe delivers that homemade taste without all the fuss, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna
- Incredible Taste: Every bite is packed with rich, savory flavors and gooey, melted cheese that’s pure comfort food bliss.
- Minimal Prep Time: You’ll spend less than 30 minutes prepping, making this a lifesaver for busy evenings.
- Healthier Option: Using lean ground beef and plenty of cheese makes this a satisfying yet balanced meal.
- Budget-Friendly: This slow cooker lasagna uses common, affordable ingredients perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore this classic dish, making it a guaranteed hit at any meal.
- Effortless Cooking: Just layer and let the slow cooker do the work – this truly is the easiest way to enjoy homemade lasagna.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna
Making this delicious crockpot beef lasagna is so straightforward, and the ingredients are all pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need to create those perfect layers:
- 1½ lb ground beef – I like to use 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and richness.
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme is key to that classic Italian taste.
- 24 oz garlic herb spaghetti sauce – A good quality sauce makes a huge difference in flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth – This adds moisture and helps the noodles cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – For that essential gooey, melty cheese pull!
- 2½ cups cottage cheese – I prefer 2% or whole milk cottage cheese for a creamier texture, but low-fat works too.
- 1 large egg – This helps bind the cottage cheese mixture together, creating a smoother layer.
- 12 lasagna noodles – No-boil noodles are a lifesaver here; just layer them in dry!
- Fresh minced parsley – For a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna
Let’s get this delicious crockpot beef lasagna assembled! It’s surprisingly simple, and the aroma as it cooks will have everyone gathering in the kitchen, eager for dinner. This recipe is your ticket to an effortless no-boil crockpot lasagna that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Step 1: Start by browning the 1½ lb ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break it up into small crumbles. Keep cooking until there’s no pink left. During the last minute of browning, stir in the 2 tbsp Italian seasoning to really toast those herbs and release their amazing aroma.
- Step 2: While the beef is draining, whisk together the 2½ cups cottage cheese and 1 large egg in a medium bowl until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture creates a luscious layer that’s so much easier than traditional ricotta.
- Step 3: Grab your 6-quart crockpot. Spread about 1 cup of the 24 oz garlic herb spaghetti sauce and then ¼ cup of the 1 cup beef broth across the bottom. This prevents the first layer of noodles from sticking and adds moisture.
- Step 4: Time to layer! Place 3 of the 12 lasagna noodles directly onto the sauce. Then, spread ⅓ of your cottage cheese mixture evenly over the noodles. Next, add ⅓ of the seasoned ground beef, followed by ½ cup of the 2½ cups mozzarella cheese. This layering technique is key to a perfect no-boil crockpot lasagna.
- Step 5: Repeat the layering process two more times, using up the remaining cottage cheese, beef, and mozzarella.
- Step 6: For the final layer, place the last 3 noodles on top. Pour the remaining spaghetti sauce and the rest of the beef broth over the noodles, ensuring they are mostly covered.
- Step 7: Cover the crockpot with its lid. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender. The smell filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Step 8: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. This allows it to get perfectly golden and bubbly.
- Step 9: Once done, carefully remove the lid. Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This crucial step helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve neat slices of your amazing crockpot lasagna.
- Step 10: Garnish with fresh minced parsley for a touch of green and a fresh flavor to complement the rich lasagna.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Crockpot Lasagna
I’ve made this crockpot lasagna so many times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely amazing. Trust me, these tips are worth the effort!
- Always drain your browned ground beef thoroughly. Excess grease can make the lasagna feel heavy and oily, which is the last thing we want!
- Using no-boil noodles is a game-changer for this slow cooker lasagna. Just layer them in dry; the moisture from the sauce and cheese will cook them perfectly.
- Don’t skip the resting period after cooking! Letting the lasagna sit for 15-20 minutes allows it to firm up, making it much easier to slice and serve clean portions of your delicious crockpot beef lasagna.
- If you want an extra golden-brown top, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Lasagna?
The real secret to a perfect easy slow cooker lasagna recipe is the layering and ensuring all the ingredients have enough moisture to cook the noodles. Using cottage cheese instead of ricotta adds a subtle creaminess that’s just divine. For more delicious dinner ideas, check out these dinner recipes.
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire crockpot lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Lasagna?
A common pitfall is a soupy lasagna. Avoid using too much liquid (broth or sauce) and make sure to drain your beef well. Also, don’t overstuff the crockpot; leave some room for the heat to circulate. For more tips on slow cooker cooking, you can explore resources on slow cooker food safety.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Lasagna
This hearty crockpot lasagna for dinner is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to round out the Italian feast. I love serving it with a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness of the cheese and pasta. For a similar comforting side, try these cheesy scalloped potatoes.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: You absolutely need something to sop up any extra sauce! Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic companion to lasagna.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory lasagna. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: For an extra touch of green and some nutrients, a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus works beautifully.
Crockpot Lasagna Nutrition Facts
When you’re enjoying a hearty slice of this Crockpot Lasagna, here’s what you can expect per serving. This recipe makes a generous 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners. For other hearty meals, consider these beef and cheese chimichangas.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutrition labels, you can refer to the FDA’s guide to nutrition labels.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Lasagna
Leftover crockpot lasagna is a gift that keeps on giving! Once your delicious meal has cooled slightly, usually about 20-30 minutes after serving, you can store it properly. For the best results and to maintain the integrity of this simple slow cooker lasagna, use airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you won’t be finishing it within that time, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. If you’re looking for other make-ahead meals, these breakfast bowl recipes are great.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For refrigerated portions, gently warm them in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Frozen portions are best thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven, but it will take longer, usually 45-60 minutes, until it’s piping hot.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Lasagna
What is Crockpot Lasagna?
Crockpot Lasagna is a convenient and comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, made entirely in a slow cooker. Instead of baking layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese in a hot oven, everything is assembled in the crockpot and cooked low and slow, resulting in incredibly tender noodles and deeply melded flavors.
Why use a crockpot for lasagna?
Using a crockpot for lasagna simplifies the entire process, making it incredibly hands-off and perfect for busy days. It eliminates the need to pre-cook noodles and reduces the risk of a dry or overcooked lasagna. The slow cooking method ensures even heating and results in a wonderfully moist and flavorful dish, making it an ideal slow cooker lasagna option. For more on the benefits of slow cooking, you can read about the benefits of slow cooking.
Can I use different types of cheese in my Crockpot Lasagna?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for cottage cheese and mozzarella, feel free to experiment. Ricotta cheese is a classic substitute for cottage cheese, and adding Parmesan or provolone cheese can offer different flavor profiles. Just ensure your cheese mixture is smooth enough to spread evenly for the best results in your homemade crockpot lasagna.
How do I make Crockpot Lasagna vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this crockpot lasagna, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. Ensure you still brown them slightly to remove excess moisture before layering. You can also add extra herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. For more vegetarian inspiration, explore these veggie power bowl recipes.
Variations of Crockpot Lasagna You Can Try
While this beef version is absolutely delicious, the beauty of crockpot lasagna is its versatility! You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Crockpot Chicken Lasagna: Swap the ground beef for shredded cooked chicken. Mix it with a creamy Alfredo sauce or a lighter béchamel instead of the traditional red sauce for a delightful twist.
- Crockpot Vegetarian Lasagna: Skip the meat entirely! Load up on sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers. You can even add a layer of marinara sauce mixed with ricotta for extra flavor. This makes a fantastic crockpot vegetarian lasagna that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Spicy Crockpot Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef while browning, or use a spicy marinara sauce. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese on top can also add a nice kick.
- No-Boil White Lasagna: Forget the red sauce altogether and opt for a creamy white lasagna. Use a béchamel sauce, ricotta cheese, and plenty of mozzarella and Parmesan for a rich, decadent meal.
Crockpot Lasagna: 3 Easy Weeknight Wins
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes - 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat-based
Description
Learn how to make the ultimate hands-off comfort food with this easy Crockpot Lasagna recipe. Layers of seasoned ground beef, gooey mozzarella, and creamy cottage cheese mingle with tender noodles in the slow cooker, creating a delicious meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 24 oz garlic herb spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese
- 2½ cups curd cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 12 lasagna noodles
- Fresh minced parsley
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no longer pink. Add the Italian seasoning during the last minute of cooking.
- Combine the cottage cheese and egg in a medium bowl, mixing until smooth.
- Spread 1 cup of spaghetti sauce and ¼ cup of beef broth across the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot.
- Create the first layer: place 3 lasagna noodles, then spread ⅓ of the cottage cheese mixture, ⅓ of the seasoned ground beef, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times.
- For the final layer, place the remaining 3 noodles, then cover with the last of the sauce and beef broth.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until noodles are tender.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh minced parsley.
Notes
- Drain the beef well after browning to prevent greasiness.
- Use exactly 3 noodles per layer to avoid gummy sections or uneven texture.
- Do not exceed the recommended amount of beef broth to prevent a soupy consistency.
- Reserve mozzarella for the topping to achieve a golden, bubbly crust.
- Allowing the lasagna to rest ensures it sets properly for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (LOW) or 2-3 hours (HIGH)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg