Description
This Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is a hands-off, simple, and delicious way to enjoy classic lasagna with minimal effort. Layers of seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and uncooked noodles cook together slowly to create a comforting and cheesy Italian favorite perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 (650 mL) jars tomato sauce (sweet basil marinara)
- 1 lb lasagna noodles (uncooked; oven ready or traditional)
- 1 (475 g) tub ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup water
- Cooking spray
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the meat and aromatics: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until almost cooked through. Add diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one jar of tomato sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for another few minutes until onions soften.
- Prepare slow cooker layers: Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Begin layering by adding a little of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break pieces as needed to fit). Spoon some ricotta cheese and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then add more meat sauce. Repeat the layering process until the slow cooker is full, usually about 3 layers total.
- Top and add water: Pour the remaining jar of tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of lasagna. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the top. Pour water around the sides of the slow cooker to help the noodles cook through.
- Cook the lasagna: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, until noodles are tender and cheeses are melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your easy crockpot lasagna.
Notes
- This recipe requires no pre-cooking of noodles, making preparation quicker and simpler.
- You can use either traditional or oven-ready lasagna noodles; if using traditional, break them to fit.
- Cooking on low for 6 hours is ideal for a more tender texture, but high for 3 hours works well for quicker meals.
- Leftovers freeze well; store in airtight containers and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian variation (adjust diet label accordingly).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 264 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 84 mg
