Crockpot Lasagna

Introduction

This Crockpot Lasagna is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal. You get all the rich, layered flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of boiling noodles or watching the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 180 minutes

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, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
2. To the meat mixture in the skillet, add the undrained cut-up tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, 2 tsp salt, dried basil, fennel seed, and ¼ tsp coarse black pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, dried parsley flakes, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp coarse black pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Spread a thin layer (about 1 cup) of the meat sauce onto the bottom of a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
5. Arrange a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit and cover the sauce completely.
6. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one-third of the remaining meat sauce, then 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
7. Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan) two more times. You should have three complete layers.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours. The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender. Turn the crockpot off, remove the lid, and let it sit for 30-45 minutes before slicing to help it set.

Variations

• Vegetable Layer: Add a layer of sautéed spinach or thinly sliced zucchini between the cheese and sauce layers.
• Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
• No-Boil Hack: Using oven-ready noodles is highly recommended for this method, but you can also quickly soak regular noodles in hot water for 5 minutes to soften them slightly before layering.
• Single-Serve Style: For easy freezing, layer the ingredients in small, oven-safe dishes placed inside the crockpot (arranged so they fit). Reduce the cook time by about an hour.

Tips for Success

• Prevent Sticking: Ensure your first layer is a good spread of sauce before adding noodles.
• Layer Carefully: Keep the layers even and avoid pressing down too hard to allow for even cooking and heat circulation.
• Avoid Overcooking: The 3-hour cook time on LOW is crucial for regular noodles. Check at the 2.5-hour mark; overcooking will make the noodles mushy.
• Let it Rest: The resting period after cooking is non-negotiable for clean slices. It allows the cheeses to set and the lasagna to firm up.

Storage & Reheating

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

FAQ

Can I use only ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with an additional 1 lb of ground beef for a milder flavor.

Do I really not need to boil the noodles?

Correct. The moisture from the sauce and the sealed environment of the crockpot will cook the uncooked noodles perfectly.

Why is my lasagna watery?

This can happen if you drain the canned tomatoes or don’t use tomato paste. Ensure you use the tomatoes undrained and the full amount of paste, which acts as a thickener. The resting period also allows liquids to be reabsorbed.

Can I cook this on HIGH?

It’s not recommended. Cooking on LOW ensures the noodles cook through without burning the edges. If you must, try 1.5 to 2 hours on HIGH, checking frequently.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes. You can layer everything in the crockpot insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking as directed.

What size crockpot do I need?

A 6-quart or larger oval crockpot is essential to fit the layers properly. A 5-quart may be too small and could overflow.