This Crockpot Lasagna is an easy set-it-and-forget-it crockpot meal made with tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese. No need to cook the noodles beforehand! Includes step by step recipe video down below.
Want more crockpot Italian recipes? Check out this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, Crockpot Lasagna Soup, and Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe!
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If you’re ever craving homemade lasagna but don’t feel like baking it in the oven, this Crockpot Lasagna is for you!
This comforting meal uses simple ingredients like Italian sausage, marinara sauce, lasagna noodles, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese for an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Using the slow cooker method to cook lasagna might sound strange, but it’s super easy and is great for busy days when you’re running errands or just don’t feel like being in the kitchen.
Just add the layers to the crockpot, turn it on, and walk away! It really is that easy and delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna but with less fuss.
Why you’ll love this easy Crockpot Lasagna recipe:
- Classic: This is a classic lasagna recipe with all the good stuff you love!
- Low fuss: After a busy day, you’ll love coming home to a hot, comforting dinner waiting for you!
- No pre-cooking the noodles: There’s no need to boil the noodles for this recipe because the crockpot does the work for you.
What others are saying:
“Just made this for my supper and it is delicious! It didn’t scoop out as pretty as your picture, but it made up for it in flavor!” Nancy
Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe ingredients:
- Italian sausage: Pick mild for a more subtle flavor or spicy for a bit of heat. You can also substitute something lighter like ground beef, chicken, or turkey!
- Onion: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce! Yellow or white onions are great here.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite marinara sauce, or pick a good store-bought one. Homemade works, too, if you want extra flavor!
- Dried oregano: This herb adds that classic Italian flavor. You could also use Italian seasoning if you like.
- Lasagna noodles (not oven-ready): Regular uncooked lasagna noodles work best in the slow cooker. They’ll soak up all the sauce and cook perfectly in the crockpot!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella makes this dish nice and cheesy, with a gooey texture that melts perfectly.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with mozzarella for the best lasagna layers.
How to make lasagna in the slow cooker:
Making Crockpot Lasagna will become your new favorite way to make this Italian dish! Make sure to check the recipe card for the full list of instructions.
- Cook the Italian sausage and diced onion in a large skillet until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a little sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking.
- Layer lasagna noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the slow cooker.
- Repeat the layers, saving some sauce and cheese for the top.
- Cover and cook until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
Quick tips and notes:
- 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!).
- 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 😉
How to store leftovers:
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also pop the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven until heated through.
Serving suggestions:
To balance out the richness of this dish, serve your Crockpot Lasagna up with a side salad or a Caesar salad!
You can’t go wrong with Garlic Bread! It’s crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce. You can also keep it simple with some No Knead Artisan Bread for something lighter.
And if you’re feeling like you want to add some greens, Cheesy Baked Asparagus is the way to go! It’s tender, cheesy, and the perfect veggie side to complement this easy crockpot meal.
Don’t forget about dessert! Keep it classic with this Easy Tiramisu for a true Italian feast!
More easy crockpot meals you’ll love!
- Crock Pot Pulled Pork — so juicy and flavorful!
- Crockpot Meatloaf — total comfort food.
- Crockpot Pineapple Chicken — made with just a few ingredients.
- Crockpot Whole Chicken — perfect for meal prepping!
- Crockpot Potato Soup — rich and creamy!
Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 375 grams Italian sausage (mild or spicy, ¾ lb)
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 9 lasagna noodles (not oven ready)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium high heat, cook Italian sausage and onion until completely browned.
- Stir in pasta sauce, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Lightly grease a 2.5-4 quart slow cooker (ideally not the deep round kind, but an oval casserole 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 (if you have extra sauce and noodles, you can add a fourth layer if you wish!)
- 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.
Notes
- Italian sausage: you can swap the sausage for ground beef, turkey or chicken, but you may want to add additional herbs and seasonings.
- Cheeses: you can layer some ricotta in with the mozzarella for extra cheesiness!
- Vegetables: feel free to add additional vegetables with the onion, or stir in some fresh spinach before layering.
Nutrition Information
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Jean says
Where do you layer the sausage? Does it matter? Cuz you list only the noodles, sauce, mozzarella and parmesan
Ashley Fehr says
The sausage is in the sauce.
Sarah says
Hi, I made this before and loved it! Since then I found out I have celiac disease and cannot have gluten. The gluten free lasagna noodles are only oven ready. Do you think that could work?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Sarah! I haven’t tested this recipe with oven ready noodles but here is my recipe for easy lasagna in the oven that is made with oven ready noodles. Hope this helps! https://www.thereciperebel.com/easy-lasagna-recipe/
Leesa says
Where’s the ricotta cheese?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Leesa, there is none in the recipe but you can definitely add it. Enjoy!
Caitlin E. says
That’s what I said!! I added it anyway lol
Nancy Keene says
Just made this for my supper and it is delicious! It didn’t scoop out as pretty as your picture, but it made up for it in flavor!
Amber says
This is delicious! One of our favorite meals. I want to make it for family. Have you ever tried doubling this recipe in a larger crockpot? If any suggestions on cool time?
Amber says
Sorry I meant cook* time
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Amber! I have not tried doubling the recipe before so can’t give any specific recommendations on the cook time. If you decide to experiment, I’d love to know how it goes!
Scott says
I am a noob at cooking. At 70 I decided I wanted to learn to cook so we would not starve while my wife recovers from hip replacement surgery. My goal was to make lasagna that is better than the store bought frozen stuff. I exceeded my goal! My wife gives this lasagna 5 stars and so do I. It is so beautiful and tasty and it is hard to believe I made it myself.
The Recipe Rebel says
That makes me so happy to hear Scott! So glad you enjoyed it!