Crockpot Lasagna Easy Weeknight Dinner
Why you’ll love this dish
Simple Crockpot Lasagna is a delightful, comforting meal that combines all of the classic lasagna flavors without the hassle. Cooking it in a slow cooker means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying with your loved ones. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and a hit among kids and adults alike!
This recipe stands out because it requires minimal prep — everything layers together in the crockpot. You can even set it and forget it, making it an excellent option for busy days. The melty cheese and rich meat sauce bubbling together create a mouthwatering aroma that fills your home. You simply can’t go wrong with a dish that delivers both on flavor and ease!
How this recipe comes together
Before diving into the ingredients, let’s outline what you can expect from the cooking process. First, you’ll brown the ground beef with onions and garlic to infuse the meat with flavor. Then, it’s all about layering: start with a bit of sauce in your slow cooker, followed by uncooked lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce. You’ll repeat this until all ingredients are stacked, pour additional sauce on top, and cook it low and slow until the noodles are perfectly tender. In about three hours, you’ll have a lasagna that rivals any traditional recipe!
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious lasagna, gather the following items:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 jars (22 fl oz each) tomato sauce (such as Classico sweet basil marinara)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 lb uncooked lasagna noodles
- 1 tub (16.8 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Feel free to customize with your favorite sauces or cheeses to make it your own!
Directions
In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper, stirring to combine.
Pour in one jar of tomato sauce, mixing well and allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes before removing from heat.
Spray the inside of your slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then spoon a small amount of the meat sauce onto the bottom to create a thin layer.
Start assembling the lasagna by layering uncooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce base, breaking the noodles as needed to fit. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella over the noodles. Top with more meat sauce from Step 1. Repeat these layers—noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce—until you’ve used up your ingredients, typically about three layers in total.
Pour the second jar of tomato sauce evenly over the top layer of the lasagna. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and gently pour the water around the sides to help the noodles cook evenly.
Cover the slow cooker and cook the lasagna on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is bubbly. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing generously with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy the delightful aroma that fresh herbs bring to the dish!
Best ways to enjoy it
This simple crockpot lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A nicely chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea complements the flavors perfectly. You can even garnish each serving with additional fresh herbs or grated parmesan to elevate the dish further.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the cooled lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in individual containers and reheat them in the microwave or oven. Always ensure food safety by cooling it to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
Helpful cooking tips
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of cottage cheese along with the ricotta. If you’re short on time, you can also use pre-cooked sausage for a quicker preparation. Remember to let the lasagna rest before serving; this makes it easier to slice and serve.
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap in different proteins like ground turkey or add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini between the layers for extra nutrition. Substituting the ricotta with a dairy-free option can cater to dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Common questions
What’s the prep time?
The prep time is about 20 minutes, after which you simply let the slow cooker do the work.
Can I use no-boil noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work beautifully in this recipe. Just layer them the same way!
How do I know when it’s done?
The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and the cheese is fully melted.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or even a combination of your favorite vegetables.
Conclusion
Creating this delightful Simple Crockpot Lasagna is not only straightforward but also incredibly rewarding. It’s a comforting dish that brings everyone together for a satisfying meal. If you’re interested in a similar but streamlined version, check out the Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for more inspiration. Enjoy cooking!
Simple Crockpot Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the extra-lean ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once nearly cooked through, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Pour in one jar of tomato sauce and mix well; allow to meld for a few minutes before removing from heat.
- Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and spoon some meat sauce on the bottom to create a base layer.
- Layer uncooked lasagna noodles over the meat sauce, breaking to fit.
- Add dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella over the noodles.
- Top with more meat sauce from the pan.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used; typically three layers.
- Pour the second jar of tomato sauce on the top layer and sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Gently pour the water around the sides to help cook noodles evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, until noodles are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley or basil.
