Crock Pot Beef Lasagna

This Crock Pot Beef Lasagna is a cheesy and hearty recipe, which uses ground beef and ricotta cheese. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 6 hours and 10minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Lasagna Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
• 2 (650mL) jars tomato sauce (such as Classico’s sweet basil marinara)
• 1 lb lasagna noodles (oven ready or regular), uncooked
• 1 (475g) tub ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Lasagna

1. Cook the beef mixture: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. When nearly cooked, add onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and one jar of tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
2. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray. Spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Layer the lasagna: Place uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (break as needed to fit), then layer with ricotta, mozzarella, and more meat sauce. Repeat layers until the slow cooker is full, typically 3 layers.
4. Top and cook: Pour the second jar of tomato sauce over the top layer, sprinkle with mozzarella, and pour water around the edges. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
5. Garnish and serve: Once done, garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use oven-ready noodles? Yes, both oven-ready and regular lasagna noodles work in this recipe.
• How to prevent sticking: Spray the slow cooker well with cooking spray to avoid noodles sticking.
• How to layer lasagna in a slow cooker: Start with meat sauce, then noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat for about 3 layers.
• Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, assemble the lasagna ahead and refrigerate, then cook when ready.
• What if my lasagna is watery? Be sure not to add too much water, and let it rest a bit after cooking to firm up.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Lasagna

This rich lasagna pairs well with lighter sides:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Caesar or garden salad
• Roasted or steamed vegetables
• Antipasto platter

How To Store Beef Lasagna

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in individual portions or whole for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Beef Lasagna Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 470kcal
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 84mg
• Sodium: 264mg
• Potassium: 420mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, cottage cheese is a common substitute with a similar texture and flavor.

How do I know when lasagna is done in the slow cooker?
The noodles should be tender and cheese melted; test with a fork for doneness.

Can I double the recipe?
Only if your slow cooker is large enough. Avoid overfilling to ensure even cooking.

How do I keep the top from drying out?
Pouring sauce and a bit of water on top helps keep it moist.

Is it better to cook on low or high?
Both work, but low gives more even cooking. Use high for faster results.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Taco Soup
• Crock Pot Beef Mississippi Pot Roast
• Crock Pot Beef Massaman Curry