Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Recipe (2024)

Discover the undeniable comfort of my Crock Pot Lasagna recipe—a foolproof culinary delight that relies on the ease of uncooked lasagna noodles. Layers of tender noodles cocoon a cheese medley, all bathed in a rich, herb-spiced, homemade meaty red sauce. The slow-cooking process elevates this easy Lasagna recipe into the epitome of cozy satisfaction, making it the ultimate comfort food for your family’s soul.

My repertoire of comforting dishes extends to a plethora of soul-soothing flavors. From Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie to Homemade Chicken and Noodles my collection of comfort food recipes is a journey through heartwarming cuisine. You'll also find my signature Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, the ultimate side dish for any occasion. These recipes are more than just food; they're a passport to a world of culinary contentment.

Recipe for Crock Pot Lasagna

Main Ingredients for this Easy Lasagna:

Meat Sauce

• The Aromatics: Sweet Onion & Garlic. These are the bedrock of this recipe with their fragrant essence infusing every layer.
• Hot Italian Sausage. A delightful addition to lasagna because it infuses the dish with a robust, spicy kick that complements the other flavors. You can use sweet Italian if you prefer.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: My favorite tomatoes are Glen Muir Fire Roasted ones.
• Spices: Onion and Garlic Powder. This is in addition to the sautéed fresh onion and garlic.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil & Oregano. Fresh is always better when you are adding herbs to a meaty red sauce. They often provide a more vibrant and aromatic burst of flavor compared to their dried counterparts.
• Brown Sugar. The inclusion of brown sugar adds a subtle and delightful touch of sweetness, which gently kisses each bite of the dish.

Lasagna

• Parmesan Cheese. Don’t buy the pre-grated packages. Grate it just before using, to get the full, fresh, robust flavor.
• Regular Dry Lasagna Noodles. There’s a difference between regular and no-boil noodles. Regular lasagna noodles tend to be thicker than no-boil noodles. I prefer this texture because they hold up better to robust, chunky sauces and fillings.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese. I love fresh because it provides a distinct creamy texture along with an authentic Italian flavor profile that differs from its processed counterpart. You can if you wish though substitute the low-fat mozzarella..
• Ricotta Cheese. This has a creamy, smooth texture and it blends well with other ingredients and creates a soft, silky layer within the lasagna. You can use cottage cheese in its place if you prefer.

How to Make This Recipe for Lasagna in a Crock Pot

SAUTÉ ONIONS AND GARLIC

Use a large heavy-bottomed pan like a Dutch oven to distribute the heat evenly while sautéing the chopped onions. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, and turn the heat to medium. Sauté for six to eight minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Adding the garlic after the onions have softened is the best practice. It only takes one minute for these amazing gems to release their aroma and permeate your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it tends to become bitter.

Cook the Hot Italian Sausage

Add the sausage to the onions and garlic and continue to cook over medium heat until browned. Stir it occasionally to ensure the meat cooks evenly.

Drain the Meat

There's a lot of greasy juice that is collected at the bottom of the pan while cooking the sausage. Once the meat is browned, use a large metal sieve to drain it. You can also blot it with paper towels to get any excess grease out.

Make the Red Pasta Sauce

Throw all the sauce ingredients into the pan: crushed tomatoes, spices, herbs, and brown sugar. This homemade sauce, in my opinion, is the BEST component of the recipe. A moment where all the magic collides to create a glorious meaty red sauce that will ultimately encase the lasagna noodles. There’s no need for it to simmer since it will slow cook for hours in the crockpot.

Usually, I want my "spaghetti" sauce to simmer for hours to let all the flavors meld together. But because this sauce will "simmer" in the slow cooker for six to eight hours, it will have the same desired results.

Combine all the Cheeses

Cheese, and lots of it! That’s what delivers the "comfort" and "cozy" side of this dish. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the grated cheeses and add the ricotta. Mix until all of the cheeses are combined. Cheese and lots of it is what delivers on the “comfort” and “cozy side of this dish.

Layer the Lasagna - Bottom Layer

The initial layer at the base of the crockpot consists of two cups of sauce. On top of this sauce layer, arrange the "uncooked" noodles. As we're not using a rectangular baking dish, you may need to break the noodles slightly to ensure they fit (refer to the photo for guidance).

Layer the Cheese Mixture, More Noodles, and Sauce

After placing the noodles, evenly dot half of the cheese mixture in small dollops, and gently spread it over the noodles. Then, add two cups of sauce over the cheese layer. Repeat with another layer of noodles, cheese, and sauce. Finish with noodles and sauce for the top layer.

If it seems confusing, let's clarify. The finished layers consist of one layer of sauce, one layer of noodles, and one layer of cheese, repeated in that order. Finish with a final layer of sauce, a layer of noodles, and, lastly, another layer of sauce. In total, there are four layers of sauce, three layers of noodles, and two layers of cheese.

COOK THE CROCK POT LASAGNA. HOW LONG SHOULD IT COOK?

Set the crockpot to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. In the meantime, why not indulge in a good book or perhaps savor a glass of wine, relishing a day of pure relaxation? The challenging part is behind you, and it's the slow cooker's turn to take the reins. Just be mindful not to overcook the lasagna, as that can result in overly soft noodles.

TOP WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA

When the noodles are tender carefully remove the crockpot insert. Add fresh mozzarella cubes and melt them in a 400°F preheated oven or under the broiler. Sprinkle with basil leaves for an elegant touch. If your crockpot doesn't have a removable insert, simply add the cheese and cover with the lid until it melts.

LET THE LASAGNA REST BEFORE SERVING

After the lasagna is finished cooking, allow it to rest for 20-40 minutes. This resting period helps it firm up and cool down, preventing any risk of it being too runny and ensuring that your first bite won't scorch your mouth.

CAN YOU MAKE SLOW COOKER LASAGNA AHEAD OF TIME?

Absolutely. It is what makes this meal so convenient. Prepare and layer all the ingredients up to the point of cooking the lasagna. Cover and place the removable crock in the fridge the night before you are planning on serving it. Pull it out the next day and cook as directed.

If your crockpot lacks a removable insert, prepare the meat sauce and combine the cheeses in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. This will significantly reduce your prep time on the day of serving.

HOW TO STORE Crock Pot Lasagna LEFTOVERS

This recipe yields a generous portion of lasagna, ensuring you'll have ample leftovers.

For refrigeration, allow the lasagna to cool entirely. If you have a removable crockpot, cover it with plastic wrap and then with the glass lid. If it's not removable, cut it into individual portions and store them in an airtight container. The cooked lasagna can be refrigerated for three to five days.

For freezing, the best method is to first let it cool completely. Once cooled, portion it into individual servings and arrange them on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to plastic freezer bags. This frozen lasagna will stay good for up to three months.

HOW TO REHEAT the LEFTOVERS

When you're ready to reheat, if the lasagna is frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, remove it from the refrigerator and cover it with foil. Once fully thawed, reheat in a 300°F oven for approximately 30 minutes or until it's heated through.

What to Serve with this Lasagna in a Crock Pot

The ideal accompaniment to this dish is a serving of toasted, crusty garlic bread. To enhance your lasagna experience even further, consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad or a glass of robust red wine.

This indulgent harmony of textures and flavors is a masterpiece in culinary creativity It’s a fail-proof Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe that has been my trusted companion through countless dinners over the years. It has earned rave reviews from friends and family, who often declare it the “best” lasagna they've ever tried. Now, I may be slightly partial, so I'll tread lightly on the boasting, but in all modesty, I might have to concur (with a playful wink, of course).

Looking for more "comfort" food?

Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs

Vodka Pasta Sauce

Homemade Chicken and Noodles

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Beef Stroganoff (flambé)

Beef Short Rib Chili

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