DESCRIPTION:
This Crockpot Lasagna is a simple, comforting, and delicious meal made with layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 9–10 lasagna noodles (uncooked, broken if needed)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in pasta sauce, crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg and half of the Parmesan.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add a layer of uncooked noodles. Break them to fit if needed.
- Spread ricotta mixture, then mozzarella, then sauce.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce and mozzarella on top.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours.
- Once done, let it rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.
TIPS:
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter version.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep cooking temperature steady.
- Spray crockpot with oil to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!