Easiest Slow Cooker Lasagna

Lasagna always seems to be a crowd-pleaser, and this lasagna recipe couldn’t be simpler, since everything goes right into your slow cooker; no need to boil the noodles first. This dish is excellent for taking to a potluck, or just for having dinner prepared ahead of time on a busy day. If you are feeding a crowd this recipe can easily be doubled; just make sure the slow cooker is large enough and expect to add some extra minutes onto the cook time.

No ricotta cheese on hand? Substitute cottage cheese, or make your own ricotta cheese with this simple recipe(coming soon!).

Easiest Crock Pot Lasagna

Prep time: 15 minutes      Cook time: 2 ½-3 hours     Total time: Approximately 3 hours

Serves 6-8

1 lb lean ground beef

1 24 oz jar pasta sauce

1 cup water

1 tablespoon dried onion

1 tsp beef bouillon

1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian five cheese blend, divided

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

1 egg

½ cup milk

½ tsp fresh ground black pepper

2 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

 

In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, scramble fry the ground beef until no longer pink. When the meat is browned, add pasta sauce, water, onion, and bouillon and cook just until heat through, stirring often.

Meanwhile, mix together the cheeses, egg, milk, and spices, reserving 1 cup of Mozzarella.

Place one cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker. Break four noodles into large pieces and layer on top. Add half of the cheese mixture, a third of the remaining meat mixture, and then four more noodles. Repeat layers, ending with meat mixture on top. Cook for 2 ½ -3 hours on high (note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and heat of your slow cooker). Add the reserved 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for last 10-15 minutes of cooking time.

If you are unsure whether the lasagna is done, insert a fork into the middle, and pierce the noodles. If they are tender and easily pierced, your meal is ready!

To complete this meal, serve with a lettuce salad and crusty bread or garlic toast. Chocolate anything for dessert will round out this classic meal perfectly. You’ll definitely want to check out this recipe for Hot Fudge Pudding Cake!

Enjoy!