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
Shopista says
This was so tasty! Even better than my traditional Lasagna recipe! My husband raved about it.
Shawn says
One part of the recipe says to cook on low for
8 hrs another part (at the end) says to cook for low on 6 hrs. So is it to be 6 or 8 hrs?
I have it in the crock pot as I’m typing this.
Thank you.
Taylor Stinson says
It is 6 hours
Ace says
If you use the oven ready lasagna do you still need to add water ?! So excited to try out this recipe! I’ve been going on 3 weeks of just crockpot recipes! Loving it!!! Stay at home momma with a wild 14 month old .. so these are the best!
Taylor Stinson says
I would still add the water, yes. Happy I can help with the crockpot meals!
Lindsay says
Can you put this together the night before and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook it?
Taylor Stinson says
I believe you could, though I have not tried it myself.
Loraine Dudek says
Can you freeze the left-overs? Otherwise, I need yo cut in half.
Taylor Stinson says
Yes you can! Freezing instructions are in the post.
Lori says
What can you substitute the dairy with?
I cannot eat dairy
Taylor Stinson says
Unfortunately I can’t think of any alternatives.
Clare says
There is a company called violife that have the best Vegan cheese substitutes.
Chelsea says
I used Vegan Mozzarella from Aldi, and made a vegan béchamel out of oat milk to replace the ricotta cheese. I was GREAT!
Clare says
Good idea on the vegan bechamel.
Kyle says
This looks amazing! What does adding the water on the edges do? Will it be to runny?
Taylor Stinson says
You need the water for the pasta to cook as the pasta sauce alone won’t do it.
Kristin W. says
This looks great I can’t wait to try it! What size slow cooker did you use? I have a 6 qt but also might try in a 9 x 13 size slow cooker?
Taylor Stinson says
It is a 6 quart that I have. You could do it in an 8 quart as well!
Cheryl says
I never made lasagna in a slow cooker before. Now, it’s the only way I’m going to make it! This recipe was spot on and came out amazing. #delish
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!! SO easy right?!
Joyce says
Can you use spaghetti sauce instead of marinara sauce? And leave out some of the spices? Thanks!
Taylor Stinson says
Yes that would totally work!