Let’s be honest: lasagna is one of those dishes that everyone loves, but no one has the time (or patience) to layer, bake, and babysit. That’s where this Crockpot Lasagna Recipe saves the day. Imagine all the comforting layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella—without the hassle of boiling noodles or spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving something hearty but easy to throw together. One cold Sunday last winter, I discovered the magic of crockpot lasagna while hosting a last-minute family dinner.
It felt risky at first—lasagna in a slow cooker? But by the time I lifted the lid to reveal perfectly cooked layers bubbling with cheesy goodness, I was hooked. It’s no surprise that slow cooker meals like this one are trending, especially with over 65% of Americans using slow cookers to simplify meal prep.
Here’s what makes this recipe stand out: no pre-cooking required. You can layer the uncooked noodles right into the crockpot, and they’ll absorb the sauce as they cook. Plus, you can easily swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or gluten-free options to suit your diet.
Pair it with a fresh, crisp salad like Italian Keto Antipasto Salad or Low Carb Broccoli Cauliflower Salad for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal. Ready to impress your family (and your taste buds) with minimal effort? Let’s dive in.
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- Layered Perfection Without the Fuss: Forget boiling noodles or precise assembly. This dish practically makes itself!
- Customizable Goodness: I’ve swapped marinara for a spicy arrabbiata and added spinach for extra greens—it’s always a hit.
- Hearty Yet Healthy Options: Use whole-grain or veggie noodles to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a lifesaver for busy weeks.
- Unbeatable Comfort Food: The smell of slow-cooked lasagna filling your home is pure magic.
Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 9 uncooked lasagna noodles
- ½ cup water
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 24 oz cottage cheese
Instructions
- In a greased oval slow cooker, spread a small amount of marinara sauce mixed with water.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, breaking the edges to fit.
- Add 1 cup of cottage cheese, ⅔ cup of mozzarella, and ⅓ cup of parmesan over the noodles.
- Spread 1 ¼ cups of marinara sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the noodle, cheese, and sauce layers two more times.
- Top with the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes with the lid off before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce.
- Use oven-ready lasagna noodles for the best results.
- Substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 704kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Protein | 39g |
| Cholesterol | 85g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Use Pre-Cooked Ground Beef: Save time by cooking the ground beef in advance and storing it in the fridge or freezer. Just thaw and use when needed.
- Use Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: These noodles soften easily in the slow cooker, cutting down prep time.
- Layer with Precision: Spread each layer evenly to ensure the lasagna cooks uniformly and doesn’t stick to the sides.
- Line Your Slow Cooker: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. Simply lift the liner and toss it out when done.
- Shred Cheese Ahead of Time: Pre-shred or buy shredded cheese to make assembly faster.
