Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

This is the Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe – it cooks hands-off all day and is super easy to assemble. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, this dish delivers rich flavors without demanding your time in the kitchen. Plus, it freezes well, making it an excellent choice for busy weeks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy your day.
• Rich and Flavorful: Layers of beef, cheese, and marinara create a deliciously satisfying meal.
• Versatile Layers: You can customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste.
• Freezable Leftovers: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this lasagna impresses every time.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes assembly smooth and stress-free.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for achieving that slow-cooked flavor without constant supervision.
• Large frying pan: Perfect for browning meat evenly before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in mixing ingredients thoroughly without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This is the Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe – it cooks hands-off all day and is super easy to assemble. Plus, it freezes well!

For the Meat Sauce

• Cooking spray
• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
• 2 (650mL) jars tomato sauce (I used Classico’s sweet basil marinara sauce)

For the Lasagna Layers

• 1 lb lasagna noodles (can use either oven ready or normal) (uncooked)
• 1 (475g) tub ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water

Garnish

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley

How to Make Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
* When the beef is almost cooked through, add diced onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one jar of tomato sauce.
* Stir to combine everything well.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray.
* Start with a layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
* Add uncooked lasagna noodles (break them if needed), then layer some ricotta cheese and mozzarella on top.
* Repeat these layers until you fill up the slow cooker—usually about three layers total.

Step 3: Finalize and Cook

Pour the second jar of tomato sauce over the top layer of lasagna.
* Add remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
* Carefully pour water around the edges to ensure even cooking.
Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours.

Step 4: Serve Your Lasagna

Once cooked, garnish your lasagna with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

Serving your Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe can elevate this dish to an impressive meal. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy dinner, here are some delightful ways to present this delicious lasagna.

With Fresh Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic choice with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons.
• Caprese Salad – Sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction for a refreshing side.
• Mixed Green Salad – A variety of greens topped with cucumbers and carrots, served with a light vinaigrette.

Add Garlic Bread

• Classic Garlic Bread – Toasted baguette slices brushed with garlic butter for a crunchy side that complements the lasagna.
• Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks topped with melted cheese and garlic for an irresistible addition.

Pair with Wine Alternatives

• Sparkling Water with Lemon – A refreshing non-alcoholic drink that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Herbal Iced Tea – Sweetened or unsweetened, this beverage adds a nice touch without overpowering the meal.

How to Perfect Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

Achieving the perfect lasagna requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for high-quality tomato sauce and cheeses; they make a notable difference in flavor.
• Layer Thoughtfully – Ensure even distribution of meat sauce and cheeses between layers for consistent taste.
• Break Noodles Strategically – When using standard lasagna noodles, break them into manageable pieces to fit snugly in the slow cooker.
• Allow Resting Time – Let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving; it helps set the layers for easier slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your lasagna can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and garlic, then roast until tender.
2. Creamy Coleslaw – Shredded cabbage and carrots mixed in a tangy dressing provide a crunchy contrast.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make for a tasty finger food option.
4. Zucchini Noodles – Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative that complements the lasagna.
5. Simple Antipasto Platter – A mix of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses creates an elegant starter.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy seasoned potato wedges can serve as a hearty side that everyone enjoys.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the beef can result in a less flavorful dish. Always brown the meat first to enhance the taste.
• Not layering correctly: Improper layering can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to alternate between noodles, sauce, and cheese for best results.
• Using too much water: Adding excessive water can make the lasagna soupy. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfect texture.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can ruin your lasagna. Follow the specified cooking time closely for optimal results.
• Overloading with cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can overwhelm the dish. Use the suggested amounts for a balanced flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Allow the lasagna to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

• Freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of water to avoid sticking, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe.

Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can use gluten-free noodles or whole wheat varieties as alternatives without changing the recipe’s essence.

How do I make it vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of this Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe, substitute ground beef with vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

What can I serve with lasagna?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days for best freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is not only simple but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different cheeses. Try it out and enjoy a hearty meal that requires minimal effort!

Print

Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna

• Author: sofia
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Indulge in the Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe, a hands-off dish that delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families or gatherings, this layered masterpiece combines tender beef, creamy cheeses, and savory marinara sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With its versatile nature, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste. Plus, it freezes beautifully for quick meals throughout the week!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Cooking spray
• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 (650mL) jars tomato sauce
• 1 lb lasagna noodles (uncooked)
• 1 (475g) tub ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and one jar of tomato sauce; stir to combine.
2. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Layer meat sauce at the bottom, followed by uncooked lasagna noodles (breaking them if necessary), ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until full.
3. Pour the second jar of tomato sauce on top and add remaining mozzarella cheese. Pour water around the edges for even cooking.
4. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Use gluten-free or whole wheat lasagna noodles as alternatives.