Name: Easy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-496784H14M19S
Total time: PT-496784H14M19S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground beef; 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (divided in half); 24 ounce can roasted garlic herb spaghetti sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided; you’ll need a 16 ounce bag or block); 2½ cups small curd cottage cheese (24 ounce tub); 1 large egg; 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, NOT no-boil); Fresh minced parsley (optional garnish)

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Introduction

This easy crockpot lasagna is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles cook slowly to create a delicious, homey dish. It’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Two thick slices of lasagna sit on a white plate with a white marbled surface below. Each piece shows multiple layers: the bottom layers are soft yellow pasta sheets, followed by reddish-brown seasoned meat sauce, creamy white ricotta cheese, and a vibrant red tomato sauce. The top is covered with a smooth, melted layer of light golden cheese sprinkled with small green herb bits. The edges of the lasagna are slightly browned, and the cheese stretches over the sides, giving a rich, gooey look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1½ pounds ground beef
2 tbsp Italian seasoning (divided in half)
24 ounce can roasted garlic herb spaghetti sauce
1 cup beef broth
2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided, about 16 ounces)
2½ cups small curd cottage cheese (about 24 ounces)
1 large egg
12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, not no-boil)
Fresh minced parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
Step 2: Drain excess grease, then add the spaghetti sauce, beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Simmer the sauce uncovered for 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Meanwhile, combine 1½ cups mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and the egg in a bowl. Stir until mixed well.
Step 5: Spray the bottom and sides of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the crockpot.
Step 7: Layer 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Break two noodles to fit if needed, leaving one unbroken in the middle depending on your crockpot’s shape.
Step 8: Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
Step 9: Repeat the layering of sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used. You should have about four layers total.
Step 10: Finish by topping the last layer of noodles with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 11: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are soft and have absorbed the liquid. Test tenderness by lifting a noodle with a fork or cutting it with a knife.
Step 12: Serve warm, garnished with fresh minced parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh parsley as garnish to add a bright touch to the rich flavors.
For a vegetarian version, substitute cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms for the ground beef.
Make sure to use regular lasagna noodles, as no-boil noodles won’t cook properly in the crockpot.
Add a layer of sautéed spinach or sliced zucchini for extra veggies.

Storage

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked lasagna for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick slice of lasagna being lifted with a spatula inside a black slow cooker. The lasagna has four visible layers of pasta sheets with a rich meat sauce mixed with ricotta cheese in between, topped with a thick layer of melted, creamy cheese that stretches as the piece is lifted. The top is garnished with small bits of fresh green parsley, adding a pop of color. The background and surface are a clean white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this crockpot recipe?

No, no-boil noodles are not recommended because they may not cook properly in the slow cooker. Use regular uncooked lasagna noodles for best results.

How do I know when the lasagna is done cooking?

The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. You can check by lifting a noodle with a fork or cutting into the lasagna with a knife to test the texture.