Crockpot Lasagna

Introduction

This Crockpot Lasagna transforms a classic comfort food into an incredibly easy, hands-off meal. You get all the rich, layered flavors of traditional lasagna with the simple convenience of your slow cooker. It’s the perfect solution for feeding a crowd or enjoying a delicious dinner with minimal effort.

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 (bulks, 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 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, basil, fennel seed, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, parsley flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
4. Spoon about 1 cup of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker to create a thin layer.
5. Arrange a single layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit as needed.
6. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Spoon about 1 ½ cups of meat sauce over the cheeses.
7. Repeat the layering process (noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, sauce) two more times. For the final layer, after the last of the ricotta and sauce, top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours. Turn the slow cooker off, uncover, and let the lasagna stand for 30-45 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Variations

• No-Boil Noodles Only: For foolproof results, use only oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles, as they are designed to absorb moisture perfectly in this environment.
• Vegetable Boost: Add a layer of thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms between the cheese layers for a vegetable addition.
• Crispy Top: For a browned, crispy cheese top, carefully transfer the finished lasagna to a broiler-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes after the standing time.
• Individual Servings: Layer the ingredients in small, oven-safe dishes that fit inside your slow cooker on a trivet for easy-to-serve individual portions.

Tips for Success

• Letting the lasagna rest after cooking is crucial; it allows the layers to set for clean slices.
• For easier serving, use a slow cooker with an oval shape, which accommodates the long noodles better.
• Ensure your meat sauce is simmered before assembling; this concentrates flavor and provides the necessary liquid for the noodles to cook.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use only ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute the Italian sausage with an additional 1 lb of ground beef, though you may want to increase the dried basil and fennel slightly for flavor.

Do I have to use the egg in the ricotta mixture?

The egg helps bind the ricotta, preventing it from becoming too runny. For best texture, it’s recommended.

My noodles are still hard after 3 hours. What happened?

This usually means the sauce was too thick or there wasn’t enough of it around the noodles. Next time, ensure you are simmering the sauce with the tomato liquid and spread it evenly in each layer.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. You may need to add 15-20 minutes to the cook time if starting from cold.

What does “⅕ teaspoon fennel seed” mean?

It is one-fifth of a teaspoon. If you don’t have a measuring spoon that small, a scant ¼ teaspoon (just less than a full ¼ tsp) is a good approximation.

Why is there sugar in the sauce?

The sugar helps balance the acidity from the tomatoes, creating a more rounded, mellow flavor.