why make this recipe
Simple Crockpot Lasagna is a fantastic dish for busy families or anyone who loves a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe allows you to enjoy classic lasagna flavors while using minimal effort, as the slow cooker does all the work. It’s perfect for gatherings or meal prep, offering a comforting meal that’s easy to make ahead of time. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy layers and rich tomato sauce?
how to make Simple Crockpot Lasagna
Start by gathering your ingredients:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 jars (22 fl oz each) tomato sauce (such as Classico sweet basil marinara)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb uncooked lasagna noodles
- 1 tub (16.8 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Directions
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In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the beef is nearly cooked through, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir to combine. Pour in one jar of tomato sauce and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat.
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Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce from Step 1 onto the bottom of the slow cooker to create a thin layer.
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Begin assembling the lasagna by layering uncooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce base, breaking the noodles as needed to fit. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Spoon more meat sauce from Step 1 on top. Repeat these layers—noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce—until the slow cooker is full or you’ve used up the ingredients, typically about 3 layers in total.
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Pour the second jar of tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of the lasagna. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Gently pour the water around the sides of the lasagna in the slow cooker to help the noodles cook evenly and avoid dryness.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook the lasagna on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is bubbly. Once cooked, let the lasagna rest for a few minutes. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
how to serve Simple Crockpot Lasagna
Serve your lasagna hot, straight from the slow cooker. Cut it into squares and serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Add extra herbs or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
how to store Simple Crockpot Lasagna
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or warm it in the oven until heated through. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just ensure you let it cool completely before packing it in freezer-safe containers.
tips to make Simple Crockpot Lasagna
- Make sure to break the lasagna noodles as needed to fit well in the slow cooker, ensuring even cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.
- If you want a little more texture, consider adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini into the layers.
variation
You can easily customize this lasagna by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Additionally, use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add layers of vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
FAQs
Can I use regular lasagna noodles?
Yes, but keep in mind that these will need to be pre-cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is ready when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also test a noodle for doneness.
Can I adjust the cooking time?
Cooking times can vary based on the slow cooker; if your slow cooker runs hot, you may need to check the lasagna a bit earlier. Always ensure the noodles are tender before serving.
Print
Simple Crockpot Lasagna
- Total Time: 195 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A hearty and comforting lasagna made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy families and meal prep.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 jars (22 fl oz each) tomato sauce (such as Classico sweet basil marinara)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb uncooked lasagna noodles
- 1 tub (16.8 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the beef is nearly cooked through, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper, then stir to combine. Pour in one jar of tomato sauce and mix well, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes. Remove from heat.
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon a small amount of the meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker to create a thin layer.
- Begin assembling the lasagna by layering uncooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce base. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Spoon more meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers until the slow cooker is full or you’ve used up the ingredients, typically about 3 layers in total.
- Pour the second jar of tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of the lasagna. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Gently pour the water around the sides of the lasagna in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the lasagna on high for 180 minutes, or on low for 360 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, adjust spices to taste or add Italian seasoning. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
