Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Easy Crockpot Lasagna

Easy Crockpot Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to keeping it from being watery. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes and Maple Bacon Pork Chops with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe.

Crockpot Lasagna with golden cheese edges and rich meat sauce layers
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Why This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners Is Pure Comfort

  • Tender ground beef and Italian sausage in a rich, homemade sauce.
  • Layers of cheese and lasagna noodles, all cooked to perfection in the slow cooker.
  • Better than takeout, ready in just 4 hours with minimal effort.

What You'll Need for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Optional: Fresh basil, chopped
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese
Raw ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna including ground beef, lasagna noodles, and ricotta cheese

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • Ground beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead.
  • Italian sausage: Mild or spicy, whichever you prefer.

đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend

Plated serving of Crockpot Lasagna with fresh basil and grated Parmesan

How to Make Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain fat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In your slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the meat and sauce mixture. Top with a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary.
  4. Step 4: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese.
  5. Step 5: Repeat layers twice more, ending with a final layer of cheese.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
🎩

Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

  • Common mistake and fix: The #1 reason this recipe fails is using too much liquid. To prevent this, don't add extra water or broth. The meat and tomatoes will release enough liquid during cooking.
  • Pro tip: For easier cleanup, line your slow cooker with aluminum foil before adding the ingredients.
  • Pro tip: To make this recipe ahead, prepare it up to the point of cooking, then refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day.

Storing & Reheating Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make-ahead tip: You can assemble this lasagna up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.

Freezing Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little water to prevent drying out.

Recipe Notes

  • Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
  • Best substitution: Instead of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt.
  • Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Cook and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
  • Troubleshooting: If your lasagna is still watery after cooking, you can drain some of the liquid and return it to the slow cooker for another 15-30 minutes on low.

Want to level up this recipe?

Aluminum Foil — Makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking. → Check price on Amazon

Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners

Plated serving of Crockpot Lasagna with fresh basil and grated Parmesan
⏱
Prep
15 mins
🍳
Cook
4-5 hours
⏳
Total
4 hours 15 mins
🍽
Serves
8 servings
🥗
Diet
Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb Italian sausage
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 9 lasagna noodles
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings

  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh basil, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain fat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In your slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the meat and sauce mixture. Top with a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary.
  4. Step 4: Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the Parmesan cheese.
  5. Step 5: Repeat layers twice more, ending with a final layer of cheese.
  6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Chef tip: For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add diced vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
  • Best substitution: Instead of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt.
  • Make-ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Cook and portion into containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
  • Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
  • Troubleshooting: If your lasagna is still watery after cooking, you can drain some of the liquid and return it to the slow cooker for another 15-30 minutes on low.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little water to prevent drying out.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble this lasagna up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.

Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbs: 31g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sat. Fat: 11g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners FAQs

Can I make Crockpot Lasagna ahead?

Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to cook.

Why is my Crockpot Lasagna watery?

The #1 reason is using too much liquid. Don't add extra water or broth. The meat and tomatoes will release enough liquid during cooking.

Can I freeze Crockpot Lasagna?

Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make Crockpot Lasagna in the oven?

Yes, you can bake this lasagna in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are tender.

What's the best way to reheat leftover lasagna?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a little water can prevent drying out.

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe for Simple Weeknight Dinners and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!

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