Easy Crockpot Lasagna

Introduction

This easy crockpot lasagna transforms a classic comfort food into a hands-off dinner you can set and forget. You layer uncooked noodles right into the slow cooker with the savory meat sauce and creamy cheeses, letting the appliance do all the work. The result is a perfectly cooked, melty, and satisfying family meal with minimal effort.

Prep & Cook Time

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

Ingredients

• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (divided in half)
• 24 ounce can roasted garlic herb spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided (you’ll need a 16 ounce bag or 16 ounce block))
• 2½ cups small curd cottage cheese ((you’ll need a 24 ounce tub))
• 1 large egg
• 12 lasagna noodles (NOT NO-BOIL) (uncooked)
• Fresh minced parsley ( optional garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the Italian seasoning, the entire can of roasted garlic herb spaghetti sauce, and the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and the egg. Mix until well blended.
4. To assemble in a 6-quart crockpot: Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce onto the bottom. Break 4 of the uncooked lasagna noodles as needed to create a single layer covering the sauce. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, then sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Spoon about 1⅓ cups of meat sauce over the cheese.
5. Repeat the layers: Noodles (4 more, broken as needed), the remaining cottage cheese mixture, another ⅓ of the mozzarella, and another 1⅓ cups of meat sauce.
6. For the final layer: Add the last 4 noodles (broken as needed) and top with all the remaining meat sauce.
7. Turn off the crockpot. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it sit for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Variations

• Vegetable Layer: Add a layer of sautéed spinach, zucchini ribbons, or thinly sliced mushrooms between the cheese layers for added veggies.
• Different Meat: Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Creamier Texture: Mix half of the shredded mozzarella directly into the cottage cheese mixture before layering.
• Individual Servings: Layer the ingredients in small, oven-safe bowls or ramekins and cook them in the crockpot for a fun, personalized presentation.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overlap Noodles Too Much: When layering, break the noodles to fit in a single layer without excessive overlapping to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid the Low Setting: Cooking on HIGH is crucial for properly hydrating and cooking standard (not no-boil) lasagna noodles in the given time.
• Let it Rest: The 15-20 minute rest after cooking allows the lasagna to set, making it much easier to slice and serve neatly.
• Check Your Crockpot: If your slow cooker runs very hot, start checking for noodle doneness around the 2.5-hour mark to prevent overcooking.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover a larger portion with foil and bake at 350°F until hot (about 20-30 minutes).

FAQ

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

No, this recipe is specifically designed for standard, uncooked lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles may become mushy with the extended cook time and extra liquid.

1. Why can’t I cook this on LOW?

Cooking on HIGH ensures the noodles absorb the liquid and become tender in the 3-hour timeframe. The LOW setting may not provide enough heat to cook the noodles properly.

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in the crockpot insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes before starting, then cook as directed, possibly adding 15-30 extra minutes.

1. What can I use instead of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese is specified for its texture, you can use an equal amount of ricotta cheese if you prefer. The final texture will be slightly denser.

1. My noodles are still hard, what happened?

This usually means the crockpot wasn’t hot enough. Ensure you are cooking on HIGH, the lid is on tightly, and there was enough sauce/liquid. Break any large noodle pieces next time to ensure better liquid coverage.

1. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely. Cool completely, then portion and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.