Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 63 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

Last updated on March 1, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.

This Crockpot Lasagna is made with just SIX ingredients and no precooking the noodles! An easy crockpot meal you can set and forget. Includes step by step recipe video down below.

Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (2)

This Crockpot Lasagna is one of those recipes that I didn’t actually expect to be as good as I hoped it would be, and we were blown away by the results!

With just 6 ingredients (what?!) and a few hours in the slow cooker, it is the perfect weeknight meal or Sunday dinner.

I wasn’t sure how lasagna noodles would do in the slow cooker for several hours.

Normally when I make pasta in the crockpot (like this Crockpot Chicken and Noodles or this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese), I add the pasta just for the last 15 or 20 minutes so they are not overcooked.

But since lasagna noodles are larger and they are stacked, this recipe comes together perfectly in just 3 or 4 hours — no mushy noodles, just big flavor.

Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (3)

And, yes, I’ve stuck with the basics because this Lasagna is part of my Six Ingredient Suppers series, but I’ve included tons of additions and ways to make it your own down below.

But it is incredibly delicious and comforting just the way it is 😉

Variations and substitutions for Crockpot Lasagna:

If you’ve been around here before, you know I believe in making things your own and try to include helpful tips on ways to make most recipes just the way you like them.

Obviously, I haven’t tested all of these substitutions but I do cook all day, every day so I’ve learned a thing or two 😉

Can I swap out the Italian sausage?

The Italian sausage is responsible for a lot of the flavor in this Crockpot Lasagna, since I kept it to 6 ingredients.

You can substitute the Italian sausage for turkey sausage (for a lighter recipe), or ground beef, chicken or turkey.

If you opt for unseasoned ground meat, you will want to add additional seasoning when you are browning it.

Can I use oven ready lasagna noodles?

I haven’t tested this recipe with oven ready noodles, so I can’t make any promises.

My best guess is that it would work fine, but you may want to check the lasagna for doneness a little sooner.

Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (4)

Can I add ricotta, cottage cheese or beschamel?

Absolutely!

I make my classic Easy Lasagna Recipe with a layer of Ricotta cheese, but I know many others love cottage cheese or beschamel.

However you love to make your regular oven baked lasagna, you can do the same here.

Simply whip up your favorite addition (see my Easy Lasagna Recipe above for a ricotta mixture recipe), and spread it in the layers as you normally would.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely!

There are lots of ways to add extra vegetables here.

Feel free to stir some shredded or finely chopped vegetables into the sausage as it browns, or stir in some chopped spinach just before layering.

Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (5)

Tips for making the best Slow Cooker Lasagna:

  • Lightly grease your crockpot: we don’t want any of that deliciousness to stick!
  • Cook on low: I really try to avoid using my crockpot on high unless I have to. Because the outer edges will already cook more quickly on low, I avoid using high because it may cause your edges to burn before the inside is cooked through.
  • Don’t stress over perfect layers: you will have to break your noodles to fit, and it won’t be perfect. Don’t worry! It’s okay if they overlap a bit, or they don’t cover completely. As the noodles cook, they will expand and cover and mishaps 😉
  • Broil, if you want to: I know there are a lot of you out there who love a good crispy browned cheese crust. Most slow cooker crocks are oven safe, so you can broil the cheese for a few minutes before serving if desired (but be sure to check first!).

More easy crockpot meals you’ll love!

  • Crockpot Meatloaf — total comfort food!
  • Crockpot Pineapple Chicken — also made with 6 ingredients!
  • Crockpot Whole Chicken — perfect for meal prepping!
  • Crockpot Potato Soup — rich and creamy!
  • Crock Pot Pulled Pork — so juicy and flavorful!

Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (6)

Pin this recipe to save for later

Pin this recipe to your favorite board

Crockpot Lasagna

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 63 votes

This Crockpot Lasagna is made with just SIX ingredients and no precooking the noodles! An easy crockpot meal you can set and forget.

Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (8)

Save

Review

Print

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Servings 6 servings

Calories 570cal

Ingredients

  • 375 grams Italian sausage (mild or spicy, .75lb)
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 1/2 cups tomato pasta sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 9 lasagna noodles (not oven ready)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

  • In a medium skillet over medium high heat, cook Italian sausage and onion until completely browned.

  • Stir in pasta sauce and salt.

  • Lightly grease a 2.5-4 quart slow cooker (not the deep round kind, but an oval one with more surface area).

  • Spread a little bit of sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.

  • Place 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of the slow cooker, breaking to fit (save any broken pieces to fill in gaps later). Spread with ⅓ sauce, and top with ⅓ mozzarella and ⅓ Parmesan.

  • Repeat layers two more times.

  • Put the lid on and cook on low for 2.5-3 hours, until noodles are softened.

  • Turn the slow cooker off and allow to sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 570cal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1517mg | Potassium: 660mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 803IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 365mg | Iron: 3mg

Keywords crockpot lasagna, slow cooker lasagna

Want to save this recipe?

Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.

Register Now

Tried this recipe?

Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel —
I love to see what you’re making!

Tag @thereciperebel
Crockpot Lasagna - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

How to jazz up lasagna? ›

11 Ways To Add More Flavor To Your Homemade Lasagna
  1. Diversify your sausage. Artisteer/Getty Images. ...
  2. Sswap out that sausage for seafood. ...
  3. Reconsider the veggies you're using. ...
  4. Don't use the same exact cheese. ...
  5. Try ricotta cheese. ...
  6. Use no-boil noodles. ...
  7. Test out white lasagna. ...
  8. Consider cinnamon your secret ingredient.
Feb 26, 2023

How to make al dente lasagna? ›

Bring a large kettle or stock pot filled with water to a boil. Pour the boiling over the lasagne noodles and let them soak for 20 minutes until al dente. Remove the noodles and lay them next to each other over a clean dish towel. Use them as needed with the recipe.

How to assemble lasagna reddit? ›

I usually put bolognese, white sauce then lasagna sheet till I get to the top. Which I put the rest of the white sauce and some cheese. I bake it straight away for 40mins in a 180 degree oven until the cheese is kind of golden brown.

What makes lasagna taste better? ›

Five Secrets of Building the Ultimate Lasagna
  1. Secret #1: No-Boil Noodles Actually Taste Better. ...
  2. Secret #2: For a Rich Sauce, Use Pork Sausage Instead of Ground Beef. ...
  3. Secret #3: Fresh Mozzarella Actually Makes a Difference.
Jan 6, 2015

How can I enhance the flavor of lasagna? ›

Some good options include basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Add some umami-rich ingredients: Umami is a savory taste that can be found in ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, and soy sauce. Adding some of these ingredients to your lasagna can help to deepen its flavor.

What happens if you don't boil lasagna noodles? ›

If you don't want to boil or soak your lasagna noodles, there's always no-boil lasagna noodles. These oven-ready noodles are ready to assemble with no precooking involved, they tend to be thinner and tenderize by absorbing liquid while baking.

What makes lasagna soggy? ›

Watery tomatoes aren't the only culprit for soupy lasagna: Oils from cheese and meat and water from lasagna noodles and vegetables can affect your lasagna's consistency.

Why is my lasagna so watery at the bottom? ›

So, to achieve the perfect lasagna, the consistency of the sauce is absolutely essential. Both the ragù and béchamel sauce should be dense and creamy. Avoid sauces that are too liquid and slide to the bottom of the dish. A thicker consistency of the sauce will allow the pasta to be flavoured in the best possible way.

What is the correct order to layer lasagna? ›

Begin Layering

After the initial sauce layer, add a layer of pasta sheets, ricotta mixture (or bechamel), sauce, and cheese. Then repeat the layers. Top the last layer of your lasagna with sauce and cheese. You can also alternate layers of sauce and ricotta cheese.

What goes first in lasagna? ›

Start by spreading a layer of your tomato-based sauce (either a plain tomato sauce or your pre-made ragù) on the bottom of your dish. Next, add a single layer of pasta sheets. Then, add a layer of white sauce, followed by another single layer of pasta sheets.

How do you enhance store bought lasagna? ›

After thawing the lasagna according to the package instructions, cook it about 25 degrees higher than directed. Then, add some fresh sautéed vegetables about three-quarters of the way through. Mushrooms, asparagus, and bell peppers are all tasty ideas.

How do you dr up frozen lasagna? ›

How to Reheat Frozen Lasagna
  1. Whether your frozen lasagna was previously baked or not, start by thawing the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. ...
  2. The next day, let the lasagna sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes while the oven preheats. ...
  3. To brown the top, remove the foil and bake for another five to ten minutes.
Sep 1, 2022

What not to do when making lasagna? ›

Too much between one layer and another will keep you from ever getting a perfect slice. Too little and all you'll taste is pasta. Do not put large pieces of vegetables or meat in lasagna for the same reason as above. To get a perfect lasagna, the filling should be finely sliced or even creamy.

How do you top off lasagna? ›

Finish off your lasagne either with a layer of tomato-based sauce or with your white sauce – whichever you have left – and then grate over plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano. A common extra topping is torn mozzarella, which makes a lovely, melted cheesy layer on top.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Catherine Tremblay

Last Updated:

Views: 5794

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Catherine Tremblay

Birthday: 1999-09-23

Address: Suite 461 73643 Sherril Loaf, Dickinsonland, AZ 47941-2379

Phone: +2678139151039

Job: International Administration Supervisor

Hobby: Dowsing, Snowboarding, Rowing, Beekeeping, Calligraphy, Shooting, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Catherine Tremblay, I am a precious, perfect, tasty, enthusiastic, inexpensive, vast, kind person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.