Description
Hearty crockpot lasagna delivers classic Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles meld together for a hassle-free meal you’ll savor with satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces (2 cups) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer uncooked lasagna noodles at the bottom of the crockpot, breaking them to fit and cover the entire surface.
- Spread a generous layer of meat sauce directly over the noodles, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle a mixture of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses evenly across the meat sauce layer.
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture, creating multiple strata until ingredients are nearly exhausted.
- Finish with a final topping of mozzarella cheese to create a golden, melted surface.
- Cover the crockpot and set to low heat for 4-5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and noodles to become tender.
- Check lasagna’s doneness by ensuring noodles are soft and cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes to help it set and make cutting easier.
- Slice into portions, serving directly from the slow cooker while maintaining its warm temperature.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- Layering matters: Arrange noodles, sauce, and cheese carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots in your lasagna.
- Moisture is key: Add a bit more liquid if the edges seem dry during slow cooking to maintain a juicy, tender texture throughout.
- Cheese selection: Mix mozzarella with ricotta for a creamier, more luxurious filling that melts beautifully in the crockpot.
- Prep ahead: Assemble the lasagna the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime a breeze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg