🍝 Crock Pot Lasagna

Slow-Cooked, Saucy & Effortlessly Comforting

If you love classic lasagna but don’t love layering, boiling noodles, and watching the oven, this Crock Pot Lasagna is about to become your new favorite dinner. It delivers all the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness of traditional lasagna, but with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

Everything slow cooks together into tender layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese—perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or stress-free entertaining.

⏱️ Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (LOW) or 2½–3 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: Up to 6½ hours
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~560 per serving

📝 Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dried basil or oregano

Cheese Layers:

15 oz ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta:

9–12 lasagna noodles, uncooked (regular, not no-boil)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup spinach or kale (chopped)
½ cup sliced mushrooms
Red pepper flakes for heat

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with chopped onion until browned. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

2️⃣ Build the Sauce

Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

3️⃣ Mix the Ricotta Layer

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4️⃣ Assemble in the Crock Pot

Lightly grease the slow cooker.
Layer as follows:

A thin layer of meat sauce
Lasagna noodles (break to fit)
Ricotta mixture
Mozzarella cheese

Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and mozzarella on top.