Crock Pot Lasagna is a simple and delicious dish that brings everyone together. With layers of hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and cooks slowly, filling your home with inviting aromas.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make Crock Pot Lasagna? It’s great for busy days! Just toss the ingredients in, and let the Crock Pot do all the work. Plus, it’s a dish that your whole family will love. Perfect for those weekend family dinners or even when you have friends over.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Make sure to drain any extra fat after cooking.
- Mix in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine the flavors.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce—don’t worry if they break a little!
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese and about one-third of the mozzarella cheese over those noodles.
- Repeat the layers: another set of noodles, half of the remaining cheese, and more sauce.
- Finish with one last layer of noodles topped with any remaining sauce and the mozzarella on top.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese all over the top.
- Set your Crock Pot to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours or until the noodles are nice and tender.
- Once it’s done, let it sit for 10 minutes before you dig in!
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna
Serve your Crock Pot Lasagna hot and bubbly! Slice it up and enjoy with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan adds a lovely touch.
How to Store Crock Pot Lasagna
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to let it cool before packing it up!
Tips to Make Crock Pot Lasagna
- For an extra punch of flavor, add some chopped spinach or mushrooms to the layers.
- Make sure to check if your noodle brand needs soaking before use, as some can be placed directly into the pot.
- If you want a little kick, add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Variation
You can easily turn this lasagna into a vegetarian delight by swapping the ground beef for sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or even lentils. Just keep the rest of the ingredients the same, and you’re all set!
FAQs
1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes before layering them in the Crock Pot.
2. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives. Many brands offer plant-based cheeses that melt well.
3. Is this recipe customizable?
Absolutely! You can add any of your favorite vegetables or meats to this lasagna, such as bell peppers, sausage, or even chicken.
