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
Magik says
This was a really great recipe. Thank you for sharing. It was part of my new cooking ritual now!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed!
Diana says
How much water do you add to the crockpot when making the crockpot lasagna
Taylor Stinson says
1/2 cup. It’s listed in the recipe card.
Hannah H says
Excited to try this recipe! Out of curiosity, have you ever tried to make this with other noodles? I usually buy them when they’re on sale and have so many random shapes/sizes 😆 thanks in advance!
Taylor Stinson says
I haven’t tried it and not sure how the layering would work but I can’t see why adding other noodles wouldn’t work!
Linda says
Your recipe does look very easy. Can you please clarify the amount of sauce? Is it total 650 ml or two jars 650 ml each? Thanks much.
Taylor Stinson says
It’s two 650mL jars 🙂
Karen Cobble says
Looks delicious and I can’t wait to try!!! Making for our church meal!! Looks so easy to prepare ahead :)) Thank you for sharing!!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you enjoyed 🙂
Karen Murphy says
How is cooking for 4-6 hrs, all day, hands off cooking?
Taylor Stinson says
Because it’s sitting in the crockpot cooking while you don’t need to attend to it. It’s literally hands off meaning you don’t need to stir anything or be present. You add the ingredients, press a button, then serve it when it’s done.
Karen says
I’m at work for 8 hours.
Lisa says
You can always try making it on the weekend when you are home. Maybe have leftovers the next day as well.
Niki says
Then don’t make it? Why are you harassing someone you don’t know over a crockpot recipe?
Jennifer H says
This looks like a great hands off recipe. On my short work days or my days off I can throw everything in the crockpot and run errands or do housework. Thanks for the recipe Taylor. I love lasagna.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy it’ll be helpful 🙂
Jay says
I used Italian Ground Turkey, and followed the recipe completely. After I cooked it on low for 6 hours I placed the crockpot dish in fridge over to concentrate the flavors. This is a great recipe and myself and family loved it. I will make this more then umm 10 times. Thanks so much for sharing A+ recipe.
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so, so happy you enjoyed! I need to try with ground turkey now, you’ve inspired me 🙂
Ann says
I made this last nite & followed the recipe exactly but when I went to serve it it seemed to have too much liquid & that was after 6hrs on low. It just fell apart, but the taste was great!!! Should I have done something different? Thanks for sharing your recipe!!
Ann Y. says
Fabulous! My husband LOVES lasagna and I never make it in the summer…hot oven – I tell him it is a winter time meal. Tried this today and it was SO GOOD. We loved it….and can’t wait to try some of your other recipes. Thanks so much ! I will tag you and post this on my blog – ournewvista – if that is ok with you! Thanks again from Lancaster, PA…USA!
Taylor Stinson says
I’m so happy you loved it and thank you for sharing 🙂
Shelli Trask says
Could I switch out ricotta for feta?
Taylor Stinson says
Yes but personally I don’t think it would taste very good. Feta is very tangy.
Sherri says
How many does this recipe serve?
Taylor Stinson says
It serves 8.