Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re searching for the perfect beef lasagna recipe, look no further. This Crockpot Lasagna is everything you’ve been dreaming of—easy, delicious, and packed with flavor.
Using the best slow cooker to create this crockpot lasagna easy recipe means less time in the kitchen and more time spent with your loved ones. Whether you’re on the hunt for easy crockpot dinners, easy crockpot lasagna, or simply some great crockpot ideas, this crockpot lasagna recipe is sure to become a staple in your home. Perfect for busy nights, this crockpot lasagne is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and cook.
You won’t have to deal with the usual lasagna prep time—just toss everything in your slow cooker, and you’ve got yourself a delicious slow cooker lasagna. Ready to dive into this easy lasagna recipe? Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce (look for one that’s alcohol-free, just to be safe!)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked – yep, no need to cook them first!)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional, but it looks pretty!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, grab a big skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat. Stir it around with a spoon or spatula until it’s all brown and crumbly. Once that’s done, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook it all together for about 5 minutes. The onions should be nice and soft, and your kitchen will smell SO good! Once everything’s cooked, drain out any extra fat from the beef, then stir in the marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes to let all the flavors come together. Yummm.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese
Now, in a separate bowl, take your ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, and mix them all together. You want a nice, smooth, cheesy filling for your lasagna. I always sneak a little taste—so good!
Step 3: Start Layering
This is the fun part! You’re gonna layer everything in your Crockpot. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the Crockpot. Then, break your uncooked lasagna noodles into pieces (they don’t have to be perfect!) and lay them on top of the sauce. Don’t worry about covering every little spot; they’ll expand and fill in the gaps as they cook. Next, scoop a layer of that cheesy ricotta mixture and spread it over the noodles. After that, add more of the meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients. You should end with a nice, big layer of sauce on top.
Step 4: Top It Off
Sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella cheese on top. This will melt into a delicious, cheesy crust while it cooks. If you want, you can add a bit of extra Parmesan on top too for some extra cheesy goodness!
Step 5: Cook It Low & Slow
Now, cover your Crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The lasagna noodles will cook right in the sauce, and everything will come together perfectly. I usually check after about 4 hours just to make sure it’s not overcooking. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, and the lasagna looks nice and bubbly.
Step 6: Let It Sit, Then Serve
Once your lasagna is cooked, don’t rush to serve it! Let it sit for about 10 minutes so it can set. This makes it easier to cut into nice, neat pieces. When you’re ready, cut into it and serve with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread. Don’t forget to sprinkle on a little fresh parsley for a pop of color—so pretty!
And that’s it! You just made the best Crockpot Classic Beef Lasagna ever. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and happy inside. I love how simple it is, but it’s still packed with flavor. You don’t have to worry about boiling noodles or checking the oven every 5 minutes. Just let your slow cooker do the work!
FAQs for Crockpot Classic Beef Lasagna
Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before putting them in the Crockpot?
Nope! That’s the beauty of this crockpot lasagna easy recipe. You can use uncooked lasagna noodles, and they’ll cook right in the sauce as the crockpot lasagna cooks. Just be sure to break them into pieces so they fit better.
Can I prepare the lasagna the night before and cook it the next day?
Absolutely! This is one of the best parts of making crockpot lasagna recipe. You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. The next day, just pop it in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This will save you a ton of time on busy days!
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Yes! Crockpot lasagna freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then cut it into portions and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat in the oven or microwave. It’s perfect for making ahead and saving for a rainy day.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This easy crockpot lasagna recipe can be easily doubled to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure your best slow cooker is big enough to handle the extra layers. If you do double it, keep an eye on the cooking time; it may need a little more time to cook through.
Recipe Card: Crockpot Classic Beef Lasagna
Crockpot Classic Beef Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce alcohol-free
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles uncooked, broken into pieces
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.
Mix the Cheese Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Break the uncooked lasagna noodles into pieces and layer them on top of the sauce.
- Add a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by more sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the noodles are tender.
Let it Set:
- Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
And there you have it—a hearty, comforting, and simple Beef Lasagna Recipe made in the best slow cooker! This crockpot lasagna easy recipe is one of those crockpot dishes that will always be a hit with your family.
Whether you’re looking for easy crockpot dinners, easy crockpot lasagna, or just a reliable crockpot lasagna recipe, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s a perfect example of how easy crockpot lasagne can be without sacrificing taste. The crockpot meat cooks beautifully, and the flavors come together so perfectly. This crock pot lasagna recipe is a great addition to your collection of easy lasagna recipes or lasagna recipe slow cooker ideas.
So, next time you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner, just grab your slow cooker and let this pot food do all the work for you. Enjoy your delicious pot lasagna!
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