Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot Lasagna is the perfect comfort food that you can set and forget! This dish is hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. With layers of pasta, meat, and rich sauce, it’s an easy way to enjoy a classic Italian meal right at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Crockpot Lasagna is great because it saves you time and effort. You don’t have to stand over the stove or bake it in the oven. Just prepare the ingredients, layer them in your slow cooker, and let it cook. It’s an excellent way to feed a big group or to make a meal that can last for days. Plus, the slow cooking really brings out the flavors!

How to Make Crockpot Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 sweet onion (minced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cook the Meat: Start by adding the ground beef, minced onion, and 3 cloves of minced garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until the meat is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. After that, drain the grease from the skillet.

2. Make the Sauce: Next, add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of water to the skillet. Stir everything well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes.

3. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with some non-stick spray.

4. Layer the Ingredients: Start by placing about ¼ of the meat sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Then layer 1/3 of the lasagna noodles over the sauce. You can break the noodles to fit if needed.

5. Mix the Cheeses: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and the remaining 2 cloves of minced garlic.

6. Repeat the Layers: Spoon 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing off with the meat sauce on top. Make sure to sprinkle the reserved cup of mozzarella cheese on the top layer.

7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender.

How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna

You can serve Crockpot Lasagna hot, right from the slow cooker. A simple side salad or garlic bread goes well with it. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of extra parsley or Parmesan on top for added taste!

How to Store Crockpot Lasagna

If you have leftovers, let the lasagna cool a bit and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make Crockpot Lasagna

• Make sure to break the noodles so they layer evenly.
• You can cook it on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours if you’re short on time.
• For extra flavor, add veggies like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
• Try different cheeses, like provolone or gouda, for a unique twist!

Variation (If Any)

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also use veggie sausage for some added texture and taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
   Yes! Just layer them as instructed; they will cook while the lasagna is in the crockpot.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cook it the next day.

3. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
   You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta. Just blend it a little if you want a smoother texture!