The Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker lasagna brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of rich ingredients meld together seamlessly in this hassle-free cooking method.

Hearty pasta sheets nestle between savory meat and creamy cheese, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Busy home cooks appreciate how minimal preparation leads to maximum flavor satisfaction.

No need to hover near the stove or manage multiple pots and pans.

Tender pasta absorbs all the delicious marinara and seasoned meat while gently simmering throughout the day.

Prepare to savor every incredible bite of this hands-off, stress-free Italian classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Slow Cooker Lasagna With Layers You’ll Love

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Brown the meat, mix ricotta, and layer ingredients directly in the slow cooker, eliminating the need for pre-boiling noodles and reducing overall cooking complexity.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a classic Italian-American dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Easily adjust cooking time between LOW and HIGH settings, giving you the flexibility to prepare the meal based on your schedule and available time.

Layer-Ups for Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source for the main flavor of the dish, choose lean meat for less grease.
• Italian Sausage: Optional meat alternative with extra spicy flavor, can be used instead of ground beef.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato base, select a high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Italian flavor profile to the meat sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste, fresh minced garlic recommended.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base for layering, provides rich and tangy dairy flavor, choose full-fat versions for best texture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together, ensures smooth consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden brown surface, select shredded variety for easy melting.

• Lasagna Noodles: Structural base of the dish, no-boil noodles work best for slow cooker method.

• Salt: Flavor enhancer for the cheese mixture.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking in the slow cooker, helps with easy removal.

Lasagna Slow Cooker Layers

Step 1: Brown The Meat

Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium flame.

Drop ground beef or sausage into the pan and cook until it turns a delicious golden brown.

Pour out any extra grease to keep things lean and clean.

• Ground beef or sausage
• Marinara sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Minced garlic

Stir in marinara sauce with Italian seasoning and minced garlic.

Let everything bubble and simmer for about 5 minutes to blend those amazing flavors together.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and combine ricotta cheese with other ingredients until smooth and dreamy.

• Ricotta cheese
• Egg
• Salt
• Parmesan cheese

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks perfectly blended and creamy.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

• Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom
• Break lasagna noodles to create an even layer
• Spread one-third of ricotta mixture over noodles
• Sprinkle generous amount of mozzarella cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, ending with sauce and cheese on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on LOW setting for 4-6 hours or HIGH setting for 2.5-3 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when noodles become tender and everything looks bubbly and delicious.

After cooking, let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to help it set and become extra yummy.

Make-Ahead Tips for Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Drain meat thoroughly and use a thick marinara sauce to avoid excess liquid accumulation in the slow cooker.
• Break noodles carefully to create an even layer, ensuring complete coverage and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Add an extra layer of mozzarella during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a golden, bubbly cheese topping that looks and tastes irresistible.
• Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set and cool slightly, making cutting and serving easier, and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Slow Cooker Lasagna Reheat Guide

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or whole lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain best quality and taste.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place lasagna in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Add splash of water to keep moisture if needed.

What Goes With Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairings: Choose a robust Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to balance the rich, meaty lasagna with its acidic tomato sauce and creamy cheese layers.
• Elevate Herb-Infused Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to cut through the lasagna's heaviness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Match Classic Garlic Bread: Prepare crispy, buttery garlic bread with herbs to soak up extra sauce and complement the Italian flavors, adding textural crunch to the meal.
• Enhance Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and Italian herbs to add nutritious, colorful sides that echo the lasagna's Mediterranean profile.

Lasagna Slow Cooker Variants

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or vegetable medley. Use vegetable marinara sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta sheets or zucchini slices. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta layers with thin-sliced eggplant or cauliflower sheets. Use low-carb marinara sauce and reduce overall cheese quantity for a lighter version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap ricotta and mozzarella with cashew-based cheese or dairy-free alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for added cheesy flavor and replace Parmesan with vegan Parmesan substitute.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a blend of meats for varied flavor profiles.

• Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

No, you can use uncooked, regular lasagna noodles directly in the slow cooker. They will cook perfectly during the slow cooking process.

• Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

• Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance and refrigerate the slow cooker insert. When ready to cook, simply place it in the slow cooker and start cooking.

Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting slow cooker lasagna brings layers of cheesy, hearty goodness straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Rich marinara, tender noodles, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
• 1 large egg

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) container ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces/57 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Noodles:

• 9–12 regular (uncooked) lasagna noodles

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until achieving a rich, caramelized texture. Eliminate excess fat carefully to maintain the meat’s robust flavor.
2. Enhance the meat with marinara sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, and freshly minced garlic. Allow the mixture to harmonize and develop depth by simmering gently.
3. Create a luxurious ricotta blend by whisking together creamy ricotta, a beaten egg, delicate salt, and nutty Parmesan cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Prepare the slow cooker by applying a light protective coating to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
5. Construct the lasagna with strategic layering techniques: spread a foundational layer of meat sauce to create a moisture barrier at the bottom of the vessel.
6. Strategically break lasagna noodles to create a perfect, uninterrupted base that covers the entire cooking surface.
7. Generously distribute one-third of the ricotta mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage across the noodle landscape.
8. Shower a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, allowing the cheese to create a tantalizing barrier between layers.
9. Repeat the layering process, alternating between noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella until all ingredients are elegantly incorporated.
10. Complete the final layer with a crowning touch of meat sauce and a lavish sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
11. Cover the slow cooker and allow the lasagna to gently simmer on LOW for 4-6 hours or expedite on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours until noodles reach perfect tenderness.
12. Once cooking completes, remove from heat and let the lasagna rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that still provides rich flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Swap traditional pasta noodles with zucchini strips or gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Rinse cooked meat thoroughly to remove extra grease, ensuring a lighter and less greasy final dish that maintains maximum flavor.
• Allow lasagna to rest completely before serving to help layers set and make cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg