Description
This Easy Crockpot Lasagna features layers of seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese mixtures, and tender lasagna noodles cooked slowly to perfection in a crockpot. A comforting, hands-off dinner solution that delivers traditional lasagna flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Sauce
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (divided in half)
- 24 ounce can roasted garlic herb spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Cheese Mixture
- 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
Other
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, NOT no-boil)
- Fresh minced parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Add the spaghetti sauce, beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the sauce simmers, combine 1½ cups of the mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and the egg in a bowl. Mix well to create a creamy cheese filling.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the bottom and sides of your crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spread a layer of about 1 cup meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking 2 if needed to fit and leaving 1 whole noodle for the center. Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering meat sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture three more times until all ingredients are used. The final layer should be noodles topped with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Test tenderness by poking the noodles with a fork or knife.
- Serve: Remove the lasagna from the crockpot and serve warm, garnished with fresh minced parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil) for best results, as they cook fully in the crockpot.
- If your crockpot is smaller or differently shaped, adjust the noodle layout by breaking noodles to fit appropriately.
- Check the lasagna around 3 hours to assess noodle tenderness; cooking times may vary with crockpot models.
- To prevent overcooking, begin checking at 3 hours rather than waiting the full 5 hours.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated; the lasagna tends to firm up after chilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Crockpot lasagna, slow cooker lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, ground beef lasagna, comfort food, Italian casserole, layered pasta dish
