Description

This easy crockpot lasagna is a hands-off, family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Layer uncooked noodles, sauce, and cheese in your slow cooker for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or turkey/plant-based crumbles)
1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite flavor)
9–12 uncooked lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach
Optional: 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
For serving: Fresh basil leaves
For serving: Extra grated Parmesan

Instructions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up. Add salt and pepper. If using veggies, add mushrooms or peppers in the last 2–3 minutes. Drain excess fat.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half the Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
Spray crockpot with non-stick spray or rub with olive oil. Spread 1 cup pasta sauce on the bottom. Layer 3–4 uncooked noodles over sauce, breaking to fit.
Top with a third of the meat, a third of the cheese mixture, and about 2/3 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers: sauce, noodles, meat, cheese, mozzarella, finishing with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–2.5 hours, until edges are bubbly and cheese is melted.
Turn off crockpot and let lasagna rest (lid off) for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Slice and serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Spray crockpot well to prevent sticking. For vegetarian, skip meat and double veggies. Use gluten-free noodles for GF version. Let lasagna rest before slicing for cleaner servings. Add extra mozzarella on top for more gooey cheese. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–2.5 hours (HIGH)
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe (about 1 large square)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 7
Sodium: 900
Fat: 23
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 3
Protein: 28

Keywords: crockpot lasagna, slow cooker lasagna, easy lasagna, weeknight dinner, family meal, Italian comfort food, kid-friendly, one-pot meal