Slow Cooker Lasagna

Lasagna is one of those classic comfort foods that never seems to go out of style. It's a classic Italian dish that typically consists of layers of pasta, meat, and cheese that has lots of traditional Italian flavor!

There are many different ways to make lasagna, but the slow cooker method is one of the easiest. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. There is no need to precook the noodles or watch them closely while they bake. This makes it perfect for a busy weeknight or hearty enough to serve at a big Sunday meal.

And this easy crockpot lasagna recipe is easy to customize to your liking! Add different types of sauce, change up the meat or cheese, or even add a zesty kick of heat. No matter how you enjoy your lasagna, this slow cooker recipe is sure to end up on your dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Meat - A mix of ground beef and Italian sausage adds flavor, texture, and protein to the dish.
• Garlic - No Italian dish would be complete without freshly minced garlic cloves throughout.
• Seasonings - A mix of onion powder and ground black pepper enhances the natural flavors of the lasagna.
• Pasta Sauce - Layer the lasagna with your favorite red sauce. (I used Prego traditional)
• Mozzarella Cheese - This melty Italian cheese gets layered into the dish for a creamy layer of texture and flavor.
• Lasagna Noodles - Helps keep the layers separate while adding a hearty chew to the dish.

Cheese Filling

• Cheese - Three kinds of cheese make this filling wonderfully salty and melty, including mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and soft ricotta cheese.
• Seasonings - A mix of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, along with freshly minced garlic, gives the cheese filling a boost of Italian flavor.
• Eggs - Help bind the filling together, which keeps it in place as it cooks, forming perfect cheesy layers.

How To Make Lasagna In The Slow Cooker

Prepare the slow cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the meat and seasonings: In a large skillet, add ground beef, sausage, garlic, black pepper, and onion powder. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat, then add pasta sauce and stir until well combined.

Assemble the cheese filling: In a large bowl, add Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and eggs. Mix together until well combined.

Layer the lasagna:

1. Add ¾ cup of prepared meat sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker and spread out evenly. On top of the meat sauce, layer 5 noodles, cutting them to cover the sauce completely.
2. Reserve 1½ cup of the meat sauce and set it aside. Then, add ½ of the remaining sauce to the noodles and spread out evenly. Next, add ½ of the prepared cheese filling and spread out evenly.
3. Then, add 5 more noodles, cutting them to cover the first layer completely. Add the other half of the sauce and spread it out evenly. Next, add ½ of the prepared cheese filling and spread out evenly. Add remaining noodles and cover with reserved meat sauce.

Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and let the lasagna cook on LOW for 4 hours.

Add mozzarella and serve: Turn off the slow cooker. Evenly spread 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the cooked lasagna. Cover and let sit for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is completely melted. Use a spatula to cut into the layers, breaking up the noodles to serve in pieces. Enjoy!

Variations & Substitutions

• Use different types of meat: Instead of ground beef and Italian sausage, try using ground turkey or chicken.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this dish meatless, simply omit the recipe's ground beef and Italian sausage. You can use plant-based meat crumbles or crumbled tofu instead.
• Try different sauces: Use alfredo sauce, vodka sauce, or a cream-based sauce instead of tomato sauce.
• Add vegetables: Mix in some veggies like diced mushrooms, onions, or zucchini to the meat sauce. You could also layer in some spinach leaves or other greens.
• Make it gluten free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles in this recipe. Be sure to check the labels on your other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or cheese filling for a little bit of heat.
• Try other types of cheese: While mozzarella cheese is most used in lasagna, you could try using Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack cheese instead.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Leftover slow cooker lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Freezing: Allow the lasagna to cool completely, then slice and place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, reheat individual slices in the microwave or thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.

Recipe FAQs

More Slow Cooker Italian Recipes

• Crockpot Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
• Homemade Slow Cooker Meat Sauce For Spaghetti
• Crock Pot Lazy Lasagna with Ravioli
• Crock Pot Pasta Fagioli

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