Crockpot Lasagna

Introduction

You can get all the comfort of a bubbling, cheesy lasagna without heating up the entire kitchen. This Crockpot Lasagna simplifies the process by layering uncooked noodles with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling right in your slow cooker, resulting in a perfectly melded, hands-off family meal.

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 15

Ingredients

• ½ lb lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready, uncooked)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (bulk, or links with casings removed)
• ½ lb ground beef
• 1 cup onion (chopped, about 1 large onion)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 28 oz can of tomatoes (cut up, undrained)
• 12 oz can of tomato paste
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
• ⅕ teaspoon fennel seed
• ¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes (or 2 teaspoon fresh minced parsley)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, dried basil, fennel seed, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, parsley flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
5. Spread about 1 ½ cups of the meat sauce onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Break the lasagna noodles as needed and arrange a single layer over the sauce.
6. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese. Spoon about 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the cheese.
7. Repeat the layers: noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1 ½ cups meat sauce.
8. For the final layer, add a last layer of noodles, the remaining meat sauce, the remaining mozzarella cheese (2 cups), and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
9. Uncover, turn off the slow cooker, and let the lasagna stand for 30-45 minutes before serving. This allows it to set for cleaner slices.

Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms between the noodle and cheese layers.
• No-Boil Noodle Hack: Use oven-ready lasagna noodles specifically—they hold their shape exceptionally well in the slow cooker’s moisture.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for more heat.
• Casserole-Style Serve: For a less formal presentation, stir the cooked lasagna gently before serving to create a delicious, scoopable pasta bake.

Tips for Success

• Layer Carefully: Ensure the noodles are completely covered with sauce in each layer to prevent them from drying out or becoming crunchy.
• Let it Rest: The standing time is not optional; it’s crucial for the lasagna to firm up so you can serve neat portions.
• Break Noodles Strategically: Break noodles to fit the shape of your slow cooker, filling in gaps to create a solid layer that supports the fillings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the whole dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

FAQ

Can I use only ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute the 1 lb of Italian sausage with an additional 1 lb of ground beef for a total of 1.5 lbs ground beef.

Do I have to use the egg in the ricotta?

The egg acts as a binder for the ricotta layer. You can omit it, but the cheese layer may be slightly more runny when serving.

My slow cooker is smaller than 6 quarts. Can I still make this?

You can halve the recipe for a smaller slow cooker, or layer the ingredients more densely. Ensure you maintain the sauce-noodle coverage rule.

Why is the cook time only 3 hours?

Slow cookers vary, but this recipe uses a relatively short time on LOW to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. The standing time finishes the cooking process.

Can I assemble this the night before?

Yes, you can assemble the layers in the greased slow cooker insert, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking as directed.

Is the fennel seed necessary?

It adds an authentic Italian sausage flavor, especially if using plain ground meat. You can omit it, but it’s a small amount that makes a noticeable difference.