Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Easy Crockpot Lasagna

Easy Crockpot Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 4 hours. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfect layers every time. The warm, cozy aroma fills your home as the lasagna bubbles away in the slow cooker. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Lentil and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe and Easy Hot and Sour Noodle Soup Recipe with Pork Topping.

Crockpot Lasagna with golden cheese and bubbling edges
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Why This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners Is Pure Comfort

  • Perfect for busy weeknights
  • Better than takeout
  • Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients

What You'll Need for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • dried basil
  • dried oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • Optional: fresh basil, chopped
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Raw ingredients for Easy Crockpot Lasagna

πŸ“ Ingredient Notes

  • ground beef: You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage if you prefer.

πŸ›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Plated serving of Easy Crockpot Lasagna with fresh basil

How to Make Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Break lasagna noodles in half and place a layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce, 1/3 of the ricotta, and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat layers twice.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

  • : To prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery, make sure to drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
  • Common mistake and fix: If your lasagna is still too soupy after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
  • : For extra flavor, you can brown the meat and onions in the slow cooker insert before adding the other ingredients. Just make sure to remove the insert and place it on a heat-safe surface before browning.

Storing & Reheating Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Freezing Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in a 350Β°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and diced mushrooms.
  • Best substitution: You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a different flavor profile.
  • Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen. Assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
  • Troubleshooting: If your lasagna is still too soupy after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.

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Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Plated serving of Easy Crockpot Lasagna with fresh basil
⏱
Prep
30 min
🍳
Cook
4-5 hours
⏳
Total
4 hr 30 min
🍽
Serves
8 servings
πŸ₯—
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • dried basil
  • dried oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper

Optional Toppings

  • fresh basil, chopped
  • grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Break lasagna noodles in half and place a layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce, 1/3 of the ricotta, and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat layers twice.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils and diced mushrooms.
  • Best substitution: You can substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative for a different flavor profile.
  • Make-ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and frozen. Assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
  • Troubleshooting: If your lasagna is still too soupy after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in a 350Β°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Stir halfway through.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbs: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sat. Fat: 10g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners FAQs

Can I make Easy Crockpot Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Why did my Easy Crockpot Lasagna turn out dry?

This could be due to overcooking or not using enough sauce. Make sure to cook the lasagna for the recommended time and use enough meat sauce to cover the noodles.

Can I freeze Easy Crockpot Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make Easy Crockpot Lasagna in the oven?

Yes, you can bake this lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking dish at 375Β°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Is Easy Crockpot Lasagna better than takeout?

Yes, this homemade version is healthier, cheaper, and just as delicious as takeout. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out β€” I love hearing from you!

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