If you ever thought lasagna was only for oven nights or special occasions, wait until you try this incredible Crockpot Lasagna Recipe. It transforms traditional lasagna into a hands-off, slow-cooked meal that fills your home with the most inviting aroma and delivers comfort in every cheesy, meaty bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend feast, this recipe brings out the flavors you love with ease, making lasagna more accessible and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Lasagna Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From savory meats to creamy cheeses, every element contributes to a perfectly balanced dish that’s as tasty as it looks.
- 1/2 pound ground beef: Adds rich, hearty flavor and a satisfying texture to the meat sauce layer.
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage: Infuses the dish with extra spice and depth thanks to its herbs and seasoning.
- 1 cup onion (diced): Brings sweetness and warmth as it sautés with the meats.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): A punch of fragrant, savory aroma boosting the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 (32-ounce) jar of spaghetti sauce: The tomato base that ties all the meaty and cheesy flavors together beautifully.
- 2 cups cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture and a light tang to the cheesy layers.
- 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese (softened): Makes the cheese filling irresistibly smooth and rich.
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided): Essential for that stretchy, golden cheesy topping and melty layers.
- Fresh basil: Injects a burst of herbal freshness that lifts the whole dish.
- 9-10 lasagna noodles (uncooked): Perfectly designed to soften and meld flavors during slow cooking without boiling first.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Basil (chopped): A fresh and colorful garnish to brighten up each slice.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, and diced onion, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon as you cook until everything is nicely browned. This step creates a flavorful meaty base, and don’t forget to drain excess grease to keep the lasagna from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spaghetti Sauce
Once the meat and onions are perfectly browned, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Then, pour in your jar of spaghetti sauce and stir everything together until well combined. Set the sauce aside and turn off the heat, letting those flavors marry while you prepare the cheese filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, two cups of shredded mozzarella, and chopped fresh basil. Mixing these ingredients creates a luscious, creamy layer that perfectly balances the savory meat sauce and tender noodles.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna in the Crockpot
Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spoon one-third of the meat sauce into the crockpot as your first layer. On top, arrange three uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them if necessary to fit. Next, spread half of your cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by another third of the meat sauce, and then three more noodles. Layer the remaining cheese filling, then the last of the noodles and meat sauce. Finally, top everything with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 5: Cook the Lasagna Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for about 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it on high for 2 to 3 hours. The noodles will soften beautifully as the flavors meld together, giving you a perfectly tender and cohesive lasagna without ever turning on your oven.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with chopped basil. These bright, flavorful accents elevate your Crockpot Lasagna Recipe to restaurant-worthy status and add a fresh, aromatic finish.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To make each serving pop, garnish with extra freshly chopped basil and a light dusting of Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, meaty lasagna, rounding out the meal with great texture and flavor balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crockpot Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for portion-controlled servings that look stunning on the table. You can also layer it alongside a lovely antipasto platter to turn your dinner into a full Italian feast that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna is one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This way, you can enjoy convenient reheated portions without sacrificing any flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Crockpot Lasagna Recipe on hand for a quick future meal, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe container before cooking, or freeze cooked leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For reheating, use a microwave or oven. Cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes in the oven. In the microwave, heat in shorter bursts, stirring if possible, to keep the creamy cheese from drying out or becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in the crockpot?
Absolutely! No-boil lasagna noodles work perfectly in the Crockpot Lasagna Recipe since the slow cooker’s moisture helps them soften during cooking without needing to pre-cook.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Yes, browning the meat and sautéing the onions adds rich flavor and helps the texture of the meat sauce. It also removes excess fat that can make the dish greasy.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture, but cottage cheese gives a lovely slight tang that balances the richness nicely.
How long can I cook the lasagna on low?
The best results are between 4 to 5 hours on low. Cooking longer might make the noodles too soft or break down the layers too much.
Can I assemble the lasagna the night before?
Yes! You can layer the lasagna in the crockpot insert, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, just start it on low and extend the cooking time slightly since the ingredients will be cold.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves the classic flavors of lasagna but craves an easier cooking method. With its perfect balance of meat, cheese, and sauce, plus the convenience of slow cooking, it’s a recipe you’ll go back to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your new favorite way to enjoy this timeless Italian comfort food.
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Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that layers hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese fillings, and tender lasagna noodles all cooked slowly in a crockpot. Perfect for busy days, this recipe offers rich Italian flavors with minimal effort and a deliciously cheesy finish topped with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (32-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
Cheese Filling
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- Fresh basil, chopped
Others
- 9–10 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for topping
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Cook Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Add Spaghetti Sauce: Pour in the jar of spaghetti sauce, stir to combine with the meat mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, and chopped fresh basil. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the crockpot insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Ingredients – First Layer: Spread one-third of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add Noodles: Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them if needed to fit the crockpot shape.
- Spread Cheese Filling: Spoon and spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Second Layer: Add another one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese, then place 3 more uncooked noodles on top.
- Spread Remaining Cheese Filling: Spread the remaining half of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Final Layer: Add remaining noodles followed by the last third of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cook Lasagna: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours until noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped basil over the top.
Notes
- Uncooked lasagna noodles will cook thoroughly in the crockpot during the long cooking time.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce during cooking.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to set before serving.
- Make sure to spray the crockpot well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
