Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It simplifies traditional lasagna by skipping the oven and letting the slow cooker handle the cooking.You don’t need to pre-boil the noodles; they soften right in the cooker.
It’s great for busy days because you can assemble it, turn on the cooker, and come back to a hot, hearty meal.
Versatile: you can swap meats, cheeses, sauces or add veggies to suit your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or substitute ground turkey, Italian sausage)
Onion and garlic, finely chopped
Jarred or homemade tomato/pasta sauce (marinara or spaghetti style)
Water or extra sauce liquid (to help noodles soften)
Uncooked lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (for the cheese layer)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Egg (to bind the cheese mixture)
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, pepper, optionally fresh herbs like basil or parsley

Directions

Spray the insert of a 5- to 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use a slow cooker liner. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat together with the diced onion (and garlic) until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat if there’s too much.
Stir in the tomato/pasta sauce (and any water indicated) into the meat mixture; season with Italian seasoning, oregano, salt and pepper. Simmer briefly.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta (or cottage) cheese, egg, some of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Mix until well blended. (Some recipes omit egg, but it helps bind.)
Begin layering in the slow cooker:

Spoon a little of the meat-sauce mixture into the bottom of the cooker.
Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (break pieces to fit if needed).
Spread a layer of the cheese mixture.
Add another layer of meat-sauce.
Repeat layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce and shredded mozzarella (and extra Parmesan if desired). Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted. Some recipes allow HIGH for shorter time (e.g., 3-4 hours). (

Once cooking is done, turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes) before serving; this helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Serve hot, possibly with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

Makes about 6 to 8 servings (depending on portion size and size of slow cooker).
Prep time: ~20 to 30 minutes (browning meat, mixing cheese, layering).
Cook time: ~4 to 5 hours on LOW (or ~3 to 4 hours on HIGH).
Total time (including rest): ~4 ½ to 5 ½ hours.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter version.
Substitute Italian sausage (mild or spicy) instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
Omit meat entirely and add chopped vegetables (spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, eggplant) for a vegetarian lasagna version.
Use a mix of cheeses: add provolone, or use a blend of Italian cheeses for richer flavor.
Use no-boil lasagna noodles if you prefer or if you want to shorten the cooking time slightly (but monitor for texture).
For a white lasagna version, swap tomato sauce for Alfredo or white sauce and use spinach and ricotta layers.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat: portion into a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at ~170 °C (340 °F) covered with foil until hot.
To freeze: once cooled completely, wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What size slow cooker should I use?

A 5- to 6-quart slow cooker works well for 6-8 servings, but larger (e.g., 7-8 quart) is fine if you want more servings or thicker layers. Make sure it isn’t filled more than about two-thirds full.

Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?

No — most crock-pot lasagna recipes use uncooked lasagna noodles, and the slow cooker softens them during cooking. lasagna noodles instead?

Yes, you can. But pay attention to the noodles’ texture—some no-boil noodles may cook faster or become softer sooner, so adjust timing if needed.

How can I prevent the edges from drying out or burning?

Make sure you have enough sauce at the bottom and layers; don’t overfill the slow cooker; cook on LOW rather than HIGH if possible. Also ensure the lid stays on and that the cooker is not placed directly on high heat for the entire time. {{–More general advice about slow cooker moisture control.}}

Can I assemble the lasagna the night before?

Yes — you can prepare it the evening before, then cover and refrigerate, and start the slow cooker next day. Some recipes mention this for convenience.

Is it safe to cook the lasagna while I’m out?

Yes, slow cookers are designed for “set-and-forget” use, but always follow your manufacturer’s safety instructions and ensure the cooker is on a stable surface with ventilation.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes — use gluten-free lasagna noodles or gluten-free pasta sheets, and ensure your sauce and all ingredients are gluten-free.

What if the lasagna is too watery at the end?

If excess liquid remains, you can remove the lid and let it cook another 15-30 minutes on LOW to help some liquid evaporate, or carefully drain excess before serving.

What to serve with this lasagna?

It pairs nicely with a simple green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, and garlic bread or dinner rolls.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Lasagna gives you all the comforting, layered goodness of traditional lasagna with much less fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping ahead for the week, or simply want a warm and satisfying meal awaiting you at the end of the day, this slow cooker version delivers. Customize it with your favorite cheeses, meats or veggies, and you’ll have a delicious one-pot dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating

FAQs

What size slow cooker should I use?

Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?

How can I prevent the edges from drying out or burning?

Can I assemble the lasagna the night before?

Is it safe to cook the lasagna while I’m out?

Can I make this gluten-free?

What if the lasagna is too watery at the end?

What to serve with this lasagna?

Conclusion

Crock Pot Lasagna

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition