Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish and one of the most popular dishes in North America. Slow cooker lasagna is a great alternative to traditional recipes because it requires less prep time, no pre-cooking of pasta sheets, and little attention during cooking. This dinner recipe will show you how to make this delicious meal with just a few simple steps!

Jump to Recipe

This slow cooker comfort dish is an excellent option for dinner when you have been too busy all day to cook. The slow cooker method makes preparing really easy with only needing to assemble your prepared ingredients and set them in the pot You can prepare everything ahead of time so that once you get home from work or school, all you need to do is set the timer for 3-4 hours. This 4 cheese lasagna will be the tastiest meal you will have slow-cooked in a while!

Ingredients

Before starting this recipe, you’ll want to verify that you have the following ingredients:

• Ground Beef – We used lean since it made it less greasy! Normally, if we use 80/20 we drain the excess fat before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Onion – We used a yellow medium onion, diced for flavor.
• Garlic – Freshly pressed garlic adds lots of bold flavor.
• Egg – Helps to bind the filler ingredients.
• Marinara sauce (2 jars) – We like this variety for this meal, but you can use any pasta sauce you prefer.
• Salt & Pepper – For flavor.
• Dry oregano – For flavor enhancement.
• No-boil lasagna noodles – 9 ounces – these will turn into a creamy, pudding like consistency from the slow cooker.
• Cottage Cheese – Adds a nice amount of moisture and texture.
• Ricotta Cheese – Adds that classic texture and mild flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds that authentic cheese flavor and pairs well with the milder cheeses.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Adds the cheesy layer we all love about lasagna.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

We used the following equipment and supplies to make this recipe. Items that are optional or can be substituted will be noted.

• 6 Quart Slow Cooker – To cook the lasagna in.
• Large Skillet – To cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To measure out ingredients.
• Spoon – To mix and add ingredients.
• Mixing bowl – To mix the chese filling mixture.
• Cutting board & knife – To chop onion.
• Nonstick cooking spray – To prevent the lasagna from sticking to the enamel of the slow cooker.

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, pan-fry the beef, onion, and garlic. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess grease. Add one jar of sauce and half the oregano; stir. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl, mix the cottage, ricotta, and parmesan cheeses. Add in the egg and stir to combine.

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add a small layer of marinara sauce, followed by an even amount of noodles, and meat sauce. Follow those layers with a layer of cheese mixture, and then mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.

Sprinkle remaining oregano, place the lid on your slow cooker, and set the heat to LOW, and cook for 3-4 hours. Ours was done right at the 4-hour mark. Please check yours at the 3-hour mark because ALL slow cookers are different. Your lasagna will have a layer of crisp around the outside and feel soft and pudding-like if you stick a knife inside.

To serve, cut or scoop out portions of lasagna! Enjoy! This was the best lasagna I’ve made in a long time!

Recipe Tips

This recipe is easy to make if you know the right tips and tricks! Here are my tips for ensuring your slow cooker lasagna comes out perfectly.

Do not Over Cook!

Unlike most slow cooker recipes, this recipe is not a set it and forget it recipe. You have to check on it at the 3-hour mark. Do not use the high setting or it will burn and not cook. The reason why you should cook your lasagna in the slow cooker is that it literally melts in your mouth!!

Noodles

This recipe was made with no-boil lasagna noodles. I do not recommend using any other variety.

Storage

If you want to store your Slow-Cooked Lasagna, just follow these easy steps.

• You can Freeze this recipe once it is fully cooled. Simply run a plastic knife around the outside of the lasagna in your slow cooker and use a spatula to release it. Store the lasagna in an airtight container where it can keep its shape. To eat, allow it to thaw, and heat it up in the microwave.
• To store it in the refridgerator, simply place the cooled slow cooker insert into the fridge with the lid. Store for up to 3 days, and heat in the microwave to enjoy.

Lasagna Recipes

Lasagna Roll-Ups in a Muffin Tin

Vegetable Baked Lasagna

Skillet Lasagna

Chocolate Lasagna

Recipe

Follow the recipe below to make Slow Cooker Lasagna! This recipe makes 6 hearty SERVINGS, but you can adjust the recipe card for other serving sizes.