Crockpot Lasagna
Crockpot Lasagna is an easy Italian dinner that you can throw in the slow cooker and forget about.
(originally posted 2010)
CROCKPOT LASAGNA
Homemade lasagna was one of the first things I made from scratch in college when I finally started cooking on my own full time. It was so much work, and when I was finished I had used every pan in the kitchen and was completely exhausted. When I finally tasted it all could I mutter was…eh.
It was okay, but by no means worth all that work, and I would have taken a store bought lasagna over what I had just slaved over any given day. I didn’t have time for meals like that. I was a busy college student…I had boys to date, parties to attend, and reality TV to watch.
When I first came up with this lasagna I thought what a genius idea if this version truly was any less work than the traditional version. I was skeptical to say the least for the work that it was going to involve and had even lower expectations for what the taste would be.
The preparation was quick and seemed way too easy compared to what I was used to. As we sat down for dinner, I warned my family that this was an experiment and I had no idea how it would taste. I was pleasantly surprised, and swore this would be the only way we were doing lasagna in my house from now on.
This is perfect for company when you don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
- beef (sausage can be used as well)
- onion
- marinara
- garlic
- lasagna noodles
- ricotta
- mozzarella
- parmesan cheese
- parsley
- egg – helps bind it all together
OTHER LASAGNA RECIPES
- LASAGNA SOUP
- CHICKEN CORDON BLEU LASAGNA
- FAUX LASAGNA
- LASAGNA CUPCAKES
- TACO LASAGNA
- LOW-CARB LASAGNA IN A BOWL
Crockpot Lasagna
This Crockpot Lasagna is an easy dinner recipe that you can throw in the slow cooker and forget.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles (about 8 noodles)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown beef and onion. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Drain.
- Add marinara sauce and water to skillet and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Pour just enough spaghetti meat sauce into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Note: For the layers, place enough of each ingredient to make an even layer so the noodles don't stick. If you have a smaller crockpot you could have 3 layers for a larger one you may have only 2 layers. Place an even layer of noodles on top of the marinara sauce, breaking the noodles to fit as needed. Next, add a layer of the ricotta mixture (about 1 cup), and then a layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup). Repeat layers until ingredients are gone.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or until noodles are soft, being careful not to overcook. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top. Cover with the lid to melt the cheese and allow to sit 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Christy, this looks like a good recipe for my family except they don’t eat ricotta cheese (I do because I have better taste). Do you think leaving out the ricotta and adding more mozzarella would work?
The ricotta gives it that creaminess. You could use cottage cheese or cream cheese istead? Or lots of mozzarella.
Loved the concept of this recipe, but it turned my gluten free pasta into paste. : (
Sorry! I’m not very familiar with gluten free products so I’m sorry it didn’t turn out.
Just made this today, followed the recipe to the letter and it was DELICIOUS! My family loved it.
I found this recipe about a year ago and have been loving it (and others) since then. It’s in the crockpot ready to go tonight. Everyone loves it and most ask for the recipe which I happily share.
Thanks for all your hard work in making these delicious recipes available for us.
I love making lasagna, but hate how long it takes. But i came across your recipe a couple of weeks ago and gave it a shot. OMG! It was wonderful!!! I will never make lasagna the traditional way. Thank you so much!