Slow Cooker Lasagna

If you love hearty, cheesy, homemade lasagna but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Lasagna is the perfect solution! With just a little prep, you can layer everything into your slow cooker, set it, and let it do all the work. The result? A rich, flavorful, and ultra-comforting lasagna with perfectly tender noodles, a savory meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

• Hands-Off Cooking – Just layer the ingredients and let the slow cooker do the rest.
• No Need to Pre-Cook the Noodles – The slow cooker softens them perfectly.
• Rich & Flavorful – Cooking low and slow allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Ingredient Notes

• Lasagna Noodles – Use regular (uncooked) lasagna noodles. No-boil noodles can get too soft in a slow cooker.
• Ground Beef or Sausage – Adds richness and flavor. Use Italian sausage for extra seasoning.
• Marinara Sauce – A good-quality store-bought or homemade sauce makes a big difference.
• Ricotta Cheese – For a creamy layer that balances the meat and sauce. Cottage cheese works as a substitute.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Creates that melty, cheesy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor boost.
• Egg – Helps bind the ricotta mixture for a smooth texture.
• Italian Seasoning & Garlic – Enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef (or sausage) until browned.
• Drain excess grease, then stir in 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, mix together:

• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

3. Assemble the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease your slow cooker, then layer as follows:

1. Spread ½ cup of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Break 3-4 lasagna noodles to fit in an even layer.
3. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the ricotta.
5. Repeat the layers until you use all ingredients, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

4. Cook the Lasagna

• Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the noodles are tender.
• Turn off the heat and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Don’t Overcook – Cooking too long can make the noodles too soft.
• Use Regular Noodles – No-boil noodles tend to get mushy in slow cooking.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps the layers set and prevents a runny lasagna.

Serving Suggestions

• With Garlic Bread – A crunchy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• With a Green Salad – A fresh salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
• With Extra Parmesan – A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds even more flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Absolutely! It makes the dish slightly lighter but still creamy.

How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
Make sure to drain the cooked meat well and let the lasagna rest before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lasagna is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food. With minimal prep and big, bold flavors, it’s a perfect dinner for busy nights. Give it a try, and enjoy a homemade lasagna without all the fuss!

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