This is the Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe – it cooks hands-off all day and is super easy to assemble. Plus, it freezes well!
Whenever I’m having a lazy day, I love making this lasagna. I throw everything in, set it and forget it, then I save leftover squares for the freezer!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easier method: It’s a super easy way to make lasagna in the slow cooker.
- Hands off meal: Assemble your layers, then set it to cook hands-off all day.
If you like this recipe then you’ve got to check out my Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Extra-lean ground beef – ground turkey or Italian sausage would work too.
- Yellow onion – or white onions or shallots.
- Garlic – freshly minced garlic is best but jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
- Jarred tomato sauce – I like Classico’s sweet basil marinara sauce, but any tomato sauce will work.
- Lasagna noodles – use oven-ready or normal lasagna noodles.
- Ricotta cheese – cottage cheese will work, but the texture will be different.
- Mozzarella cheese – add some extra parmesan for more flavour.
- Fresh basil – fresh parsley would also be good.
How to make lasagna in the crockpot
Step 1: Brown the beef.
Sauté until almost cooked through.
Step 2: Make the sauce.
Add the onion, seasonings and tomato sauce.
Step 3: Assemble your layers.
Add three layers of meat sauce, noodles, ricotta and mozzarella. Top with a jar of tomato sauce and mozzarella.
Step 4: Cook the lasagna.
Pour water in on the sides, then cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
Tips & Variations for the perfect lasagna
This Crockpot Lasagna is super easy to make but here are some tips and variations to make it your own:
- Grease your slow cooker: Lightly coat the insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer evenly: Spread sauce, noodles, and cheese evenly to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Let it rest: Allow lasagna to sit for 15–20 minutes after cooking so it sets up for easy slicing.
- Add more veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli are all great ways to sneak in extra nutrients.
- Swap the meat: Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work beautifully.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely, use tofu, or load up on extra veggies.
- Add some spice: Use a spicy tomato sauce or sprinkle in some red chili flakes for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you cook it on high or low?
It’s all a matter of preference. You can cook it on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
Why do you need to add water?
The water will prevent the lasagna from drying out and from sticking to the sides of the pot.
How many layers should you have?
The lasagna should have about three one-inch layers. You may have more or less depending on the size of your crockpot.
What to serve with lasagna
- Fresh crusty bread or some warm garlic bread
- Caesar salad or a light side salad with my homemade salad dressings!
- Roasted or steamed veggies
Storing and reheating
Prep ahead: Assemble the lasagna, then store it in the fridge overnight. Cook the next day as normal.
Storing: Store the leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Sprinkle a little water on top, then microwave for 2–3 minutes or reheat the whole lasagna in the oven at 350° F for about 20 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked lasagna for up to 3 months.
Defrosting and reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as directed above.
More crockpot comfort food recipes
Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
- 2 (650mL) jars tomato sauce (I used Classico's sweet basil marinara sauce)
- 1 lb lasagna noodles (can use either oven ready or normal) uncooked
- 1 (475g) tub ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup water
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large frying pan, brown the ground beef over med-high heat. When beef is almost cooked through, add onions, garlic, salt & pepper and 1 jar of tomato sauce, then stir to combine.
- Spray slow cooker with cooking spray, then layer in a bit of meat sauce. Add the uncooked lasagna noodles (you may need to break some into pieces to make them fit), then add some ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and more of the meat sauce. Repeat until the slow cooker is full – usually 3 layers total.
- Pour the other jar of tomato sauce overtop of lasagna, then add mozzarella cheese to the top. Pour water in on the sides. Cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 6 hours.
- Garnish lasagna with basil and/or parsley, then serve and enjoy!
Video
Comments & Reviews
Donna says
Flavor great but, I used my casserole slow cooker I cooked it on low for 6 hrs, it burnt on the bottom and edges, the noodles were mush. So next time I’ll use reg noodles and cook on low for 3 hours and check it. I’m going to keep trying till I get it right 😋 it seems like the casserole cooks faster and more evenly
Steve J says
This is a killer recipe. I made it for my daughter’s birthday and everybody loved especially me. I used cottage cheese this time I it’s 10 times better. Thank you! It’s my new favorite.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed! And honoured you chose it for such a special occasion! Happy birthday to your daughter!
Crystal Gravit says
Can you use cottage cheese instead of ricotta? I have trouble finding ricotta in my small town.
Taylor Stinson says
I have never tried it with cottage cheese – I imagine it would be similar!
Bobbi says
It was easy and PERFECT!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Cindy Ralston says
Can you leave.out ricotta and substitute more cheese and not.cottage.cheese either.
Taylor Stinson says
I’ve never tried it before, but you should be able to sub with mozzarella cheese instead!
Amanda says
Why do you need to pour water in on the sides?
Taylor Stinson says
You need a bit of water in the lasagna itself because the pasta sauce is not enough. If you add the water on top, it’ll only cover the very top layer of noodles whereas if you pour in on the sides you will get better coverage on the other noodles as the liquid will rise a bit around the sides. Hope that makes sense!
Rachael says
Hello! I’m wondering if this will be ok if I cooked the noodles first? I have to use gluten free lasagna noodles and I’m afraid they won’t cook correctly if I throw them in uncooked. Any experience with this/advice? Thank you!
Taylor Stinson says
Hi Rachael – unfortunately I haven’t tried this recipe with gluten free noodles so I really can’t tell you if it will work or not. Gluten free pasta is really different from regular pasta in my experience and tends to cook much faster. I just don’t know if it would work in this recipe but you are welcome to give it a try if you have more experience!
Gloria Florence Welton says
Can you use a Instant Pot and use the crock pot feature on it?
Gloria
Taylor Stinson says
I’m assuming that you can but I am not absolutely 100% sure as I have not tried it myself. I believe the Instant Pot slow cooker feature is the equivalent of using a regular slow cooker though!
Trish says
Do you cook the lasagna noodles first or just put them in and let them cook.
Taylor Stinson says
No you just add them all in! You can take a look at the video to get a quick overview of how it’s done.
kPam says
This is the best lasagna I have ever made! Assembled in a 5-quart round crockpot & turned out beautifully! My husband, a very exacting lasagna lover, asked me to make it this way from now on!! Thank you for this, Taylor 🙂
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!!! 🙂