Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that brings all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna right to your slow cooker. With layers of meat, cheese, and pasta blending together over hours of gentle cooking, this recipe ensures a hearty meal that is perfect for busy days or cozy family dinners.

Why Make This Recipe

Making crockpot lasagna is a smart choice for several reasons. First, it requires little hands-on time. You can prepare the ingredients, set them in the crockpot, and let it do the work for you. This recipe is also great for leftovers and can serve a crowd. Plus, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or using different types of cheese.

How to Make Crockpot Lasagna

Making crockpot lasagna is simple. Just follow these easy steps to create a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (453.6 grams)
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 44 ounces tomato sauce (29-ounce and 15-ounce can of just tomato sauce, not spaghetti sauce with seasoning) (1247 grams)
• 6 ounces tomato paste (170 grams)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (if you only have table salt, start with less)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 12 ounces lasagna noodles (the regular kind, not the no-boil kind) (340 grams)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (425 grams)
• 2 large eggs
• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (100 grams)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it begins to brown, breaking it up as you cook.
2. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, oregano, basil, and pepper to the meat mixture and set aside. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
4. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese for topping later.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta, eggs, and the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Spray your 6 to 8-quart crockpot with cooking spray. Add a ladle full of the sauce and meat mixture to the bottom.
7. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. You will need to break them and rearrange them to fit.
8. Top the noodles with some of the cheese mixture and then more sauce and meat. Repeat the layers until you have used all the ingredients, saving the set aside cheese for the top.
9. Top with the set aside cheese.
10. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Cooking times on crockpots can vary, but my crockpot finished cooking after four hours.

How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna

Once your crockpot lasagna is done cooking, serve it straight from the pot. You can cut it into squares and accompany it with a simple salad or some garlic bread. It’s a filling meal that will please family and friends alike!

How to Store Crockpot Lasagna

To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It should last for about 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Crockpot Lasagna

• If you want to add veggies, diced zucchini or spinach work great in this lasagna.
• Use good quality cheese for the best flavor.
• If you like your lasagna more saucy, feel free to add a little extra tomato sauce.

Variation

You can easily make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with a mix of your favorite vegetables or extra ricotta cheese and spinach.

FAQs

1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
No, this recipe is designed for regular lasagna noodles that need to cook. If you use no-boil noodles, the texture may not turn out the same.

2. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble them in the crockpot the night before. Just store it in the refrigerator overnight and cook it the next day.

3. How do I know when the lasagna is done?
Check for bubbles around the edges and ensure the noodles are tender. Additionally, using a food thermometer, ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

Crockpot lasagna is a delicious and practical dish that can fit into anyone’s cooking routine. Isn’t it time you tried it?