Taste the Comfort in Every Bite
Ever layered flavors so perfectly that they could sing? Enter Crockpot Lasagna — the ultimate comfort food that smells even better than it looks (and trust me, it looks gorgeous!). This dish combines deliciousness and convenience, nestled right in your slow cooker for a hassle-free dining experience. Not only is it creamy with tons of melty cheese, but it also towers with flavor-packed layers that will leave your taste buds dancing. Get ready for a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a dish that practically makes itself? Here’s why you’ll adore this lasagna:
Easy Cleanup: It’s a one-pot wonder! Toss everything in your slow cooker, and wave goodbye to mounds of dirty dishes.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the gooey, cheesy goodness. Bonus points for getting the kids to eat their veggies hidden in there!
Affordable and Filling: You’re stretching your dollar while satisfying everyone’s hunger. Who says you can’t eat well and save money at the same time?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 pound ground beef (I used 80/20 but lower fat contents 90/10, 93/7 are acceptable substitutes)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or 1 teaspoon of each dried basil and dried oregano)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 12 ounces Mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided between the layers)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided between the layers)
- 12 whole lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- Fresh basil (optional, sliced for garnish)
Directions
Ready to whip this up? Follow these steps:
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 3 cloves of minced garlic over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any grease. Add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 2 jars of marinara sauce and let simmer for a few minutes.
Mix the Ricotta Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine 1 container of ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Layer in the Crock-Pot: Start with a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Follow with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, then spread a layer of the ricotta mix. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
Cook: Cover your Crock-Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna (Overview)
Making Crockpot Lasagna is as simple as 1, 2, 3! First, brown your meat and garlic to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Next, stir together that luscious ricotta mixture — it’s so creamy, you might be tempted to eat it by the spoonful! Then, just layer everything in the Crock-Pot and let it work its magic. Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference! This dish practically prepares itself while you sit back and relax.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna
Serving this lasagna is a joy! Picture it: golden layers of cheese bubbling up like a warm, cheesy cloud — the aroma wafting through your home. You can top it off with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal, and you’ll have everyone raving about dinner!
How to Store Crockpot Lasagna
Leftovers? No problem! Cooked Crockpot Lasagna keeps well in the fridge for 3-5 days. You can also freeze it in airtight containers; it will hold up nicely for up to 3 months in your freezer. When reheating, you can pop it in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Crockpot Lasagna
No-Cook Noodles: You don’t have to cook the noodles beforehand, which saves time and makes it super easy!
Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in some spinach or mushrooms in between layers for added nutrition.
Mix It Up: Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead: Prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just plug it in for dinner!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the meat for lentils to make a delicious vegan-friendly version. You can also layer in some zucchini or eggplant to give it an extra twist of flavor and texture. The options are endless!
FAQs
Can I use homemade marinara sauce? Absolutely! Homemade adds a personal touch and elevates the flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes! Look for gluten-free lasagna noodles and check your sauce for hidden gluten.
How do I reheat it? Microwaving individual portions is easy, but reheating the whole pan in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes works wonders, too.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Crockpot Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef with 3 cloves of minced garlic over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain any grease.
- Add 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir in 2 jars of marinara sauce and let simmer for a few minutes.
- In a bowl, combine 1 container of ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Start with a layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Follow with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, then spread a layer of the ricotta mix. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover your Crock-Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.