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
Allana says
Made this and it was so easy. It was an absolute hit! Thank you!!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed! 🙂
Kay says
I have your CrockPot Lasagna cooking and it looks so good! I don’t know how I’m gonna wait 3-4 hours before it’s ready! Thanks for this easy website!
Taylor Stinson says
Aww thank you so much Kay! I hope you enjoyed!
Kimberly says
What does that mean pour water on the sides. On the sides of what? On the lasagna????
Taylor Stinson says
Yes around the sides of the lasagna as opposed to overtop of the lasagna.
Pamela says
Best recipe ever.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Susan Burns says
I have never made lasagna in a crock pot before so we will see how it turns out. My husband asked well how do the top brown in a crock pot, I told him I will take a torch to it if you like haaaaa
Jay says
Susan- How did it turn out?
Gail says
Love this recipe. The ricotta cheese is a game changer. The flavour is sooo good. My lasagna recipe forever. Thanks for sharing this recipe. 🙂
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed and that it’s your new go-to!
Courtney Woodward says
I’m excited to try this! If making the day before, do you add the water before refrigerating or right before cooking?
Taylor Stinson says
You can do either, it shouldn’t make a difference. Hope you enjoy!
Mike says
This was so good and so easy another batch coming in the near future! I used rigatoni as that’s what I had on hand, and it work perfectly.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m glad it works with other types of pastas!
Crimson Hartley says
On step 7 it says to add water on the side,how much water? And do you cook noodles before you do the assembly?
Taylor Stinson says
It’s in the recipe card. 1/2 cup water, uncooked noodles.
Tracy says
I used rotini noodles instead. The noodles seem pretty hard although it’s only been in 1.5 hrs. What would you suggest to assist with softening without ruining the dish?
Taylor Stinson says
I have never used rotini noodles in this dish so I’m not entirely sure if they will work but I do think with a bit more cooking time (the whole 3 hours), it will be fine.
Amanda says
So you can use uncooked lasagna noodles and they will soften while cooking? I don’t need to boil the noodles first?
Taylor Stinson says
Yes exactly! They cook in the oven, no need to boil first.
Liz says
Do you cook pasta or put in uncooked??
Taylor Stinson says
Uncooked