Crockpot Lasagna
Lasagna just got so much easier with this Slow Cooker Lasagna! Layer everything in the crockpot–even UN-COOKED noodles!
Want to hear something sad? My Dad and oldest brother don’t eat cheese! They won’t touch it—no cheddar, no mozzarella, no parmesan… nothing! How can you live a life without cheese??!
That means that Lasagna, one of the most delicious meals of all time, was a rare specialty at our house. Whenever my mom would make it (usually when Dad was out of town), the rest of us would be SO excited! It was gobbled up in minutes!
She’d typically make this Classic Italian Lasagna recipe. It’s a totally authentic lasagna that uses a simple béchamel white sauce instead of ricotta cheese or cottage cheese. It’s amazing, but takes a little bit of prep and work.
Now that I have a family of my own, I’m always looking for easy meals or meals I can prep in advance or throw in my crockpot.
This slow cooker lasagna is a WINNER! All of the time-consuming parts of lasagna—the many dishes and all the prep—are taken away.
I love that this recipe doesn’t even require you to cook the lasagna noodles beforehand. You can use regular lasagna noodles, and then just layer the sauce, noodles, and cheese. Lasagna takes about 4-5 hours to cook on low. If you are really in a rush, you could cook slow cooker lasagna on high and it would be done in about half the time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of lasagna but dread the time and effort it usually requires, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s simple, convenient, and delivers all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna with minimal fuss. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze since everything cooks in one pot!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 4-quart crockpot
- Skillet (for browning beef)
- Mixing spoon
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- Lasagna noodles
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain the excess fat.
- Spoon 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce into the bottom of the 4-quart crockpot.
- Mix the remaining sauce with the browned beef.
- Place 2 uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce in the crockpot.
- Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the noodles.
- Spread 3/4 cup of cottage cheese over the meat.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese.
- Add another layer of uncooked noodles, 1/3 of the meat mixture, the remaining cottage cheese, and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Place another layer of uncooked noodles, the remaining meat mixture, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cook on low for 4 hours. Avoid cooking much longer as it may become overdone.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to drain the beef well to avoid a greasy lasagna.
- Use a good quality spaghetti sauce for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add some herbs like oregano or basil for an extra kick.
Additional Tips and Variations
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as ricotta instead of cottage cheese, or add a layer of sliced zucchini for extra veggies.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use whole wheat noodles? Yes, whole wheat noodles work just fine! They might add a slightly different texture, but they are a healthier option.
Can I prepare this the night before? Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if you start with a cold crockpot.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? No worries! You can layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes to an hour.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to try a delicious and easy meal, this Crockpot Lasagna is the perfect choice. It’s a savory, cheesy delight that’s bound to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your experiences and any fun variations you come up with in the comments below. Enjoy!
