This Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna is as easy as it gets! Layers of tender noodles, creamy ricotta, and savory spinach meld together in the slow cooker for a satisfying meal. No need to cook the noodles or meat beforehand, just layer everything in the crockpot and let it cook.
Yes, You CAN Make Lasagna in the Slow Cooker
SO. Slow Cooker Lasagna?!? That’s right, friends.
Once I learned how to cook pasta in the slow cooker, my life was forever changed. This BBQ Chicken Chili Mac, and this Healthier Hamburger Helper are proof.
This Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna is from my friend Samantha, and I was so happy with how this lasagna worked out! It’s gloriously cheesy, hearty and full of flavor.
Slow cooker recipes like this one are a lifesaver for those days when you’re going to be out of the house all day. Throw everything in before you leave, and come home to a hot meal that’s ready to eat!
Reader Rating
“This was my first try at any lasagna and wow – was it easy to make! This recipe is amazing! My whole family really enjoyed it. Very thick, cheesy, and flavorful.” – Tyler
Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna
- Spinach: Make sure you use frozen spinach for this recipe, and that it’s been thawed and drained well before you start.
- Ricotta cheese: I always go for light ricotta, but feel free to use whichever you prefer.
- Parmesan cheese: You’ll want this grated.
- Tomato pasta sauce: Any jarred sauce will do the trick.
- Uncooked lasagna noodles: Grab the regular kind, not the oven-ready ones.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella works best. If you can, shred it yourself… it makes a difference!
Tips for the Best Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna
- Don’t skip the 30-minute rest! This is super important. It lets the lasagna set, so you can serve up beautiful, clean slices instead of a sloppy pile.
- Break the lasagna noodles to fit your slow cooker. They don’t need to look pretty – they’ll be hidden under all that cheesy goodness!
- Keep an eye on the clock. The noodles can overcook in a flash. It’s a good idea to check for doneness around the 3.5-hour mark instead of waiting for the full 4 hours.
Storing Your Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna
Let your lasagna cool down completely before popping it in an airtight container or wrapping it up. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just thaw it out (if frozen) and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until it’s nice and hot. Or, just zap a slice in the microwave for a super quick meal on a busy night.
Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 30 oz frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and drained well, (about 550g)
- 15 oz container ricotta cheese (I use light), 425g
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 ¾ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 48 oz jars tomato pasta sauce (about 6 cups), 1360g
- ½ cup water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
- 12 Uncooked lasagna noodles, not oven-ready
- 4 cups shredded Mozarella cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, egg, parsley and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese.
- In another large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, water, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and red pepper flakes.
- Lightly grease a 6 quart slow cooker. Spoon ½ cup tomato sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread into a thin layer.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom, breaking to fit if necessary. Spread ¼ of the ricotta mixture over noodles, and top with ¼ of the sauce. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
- Repeat layers 3 times, starting with the noodles and ending with the cheese. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 3.5-4 hours until noodles are tender but not overcooked. Turn off the slow cooker and let lasagna set for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Drew G says
I love this recipe – it’s one of my g0-to meals (it makes many meals, as it’s usually just the wife and I eating off of it – it does freeze and heat-up well, too). We like things extra spinach-y, so I swap the 1/2 cup of water for the drainings from the thawed spinach. We’ve done it this way and with just water, and I could actually taste a pretty distinct difference. So yeah, there’s the hack for extra spinach goodness!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks for sharing Drew!
Sara says
Hi there! I really loved this recipe — it was delicious! However, my husband was hoping for a bit more structure in the lasagna. When I served it, it ended up coming out more like a blob. Is there an oven variation I could try next time to help it hold its shape better?
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Sara! I don’t have an oven recipe for this one, but letting it cool and slicing could make it more stable. You can also try my classic lasagna with spinach and ricotta: https://www.thereciperebel.com/easy-lasagna-recipe/
Jerri Kay Katzerman says
Greetings. I’ve made this a couple of times, and it is always great. Question — how far in advance can I assemble the lasagna before I start the slow cooker?
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Jerri! I would say it could be refrigerated for a few hours before cooking.
Lauren says
This was so delish, but I made one modification – 30 ounces was way too much spinach! I only had two 12 ounce bags of frozen spinach, so I really only used 24 and I still thought that was too much. Next time, I will take it down to just one 12 ounce bag of frozen chopped spinach.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Lauren! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for your review!
Tyler says
This was my first try at any lasagna and wow- was it easy to make! This recipe is amazing! My whole family really enjoyed it. Very thick, cheesy and flavourful. I followed the recipe to the letter, with the exception of using regular ricotta as opposed to light. Mine was ready in 3 hours on low and 30 min to set. ou won’t be disappointed!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Tyler! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Jen says
Anybody else doing this might want to make frozen ready for the crockpot meals to include with their gift, or even as a gift. Made a bunch of meals for my kids when they had a baby, included directions written on freezerbag ( di that before filling). They loved them. They stacked them in freezer and pulled them out for the busy days.
lynn says
Hello! I’m a little late to this lasagna party but I was wondering, why can’t we use oven-ready sheets? It’s what I have handy but it’s too hot where I am to turn on the oven right now, so I’m hoping this recipe is the answer. Thanks in advance!
Ashley Fehr says
I think you definitely could but I likely wouldn’t cook it as long and you might not need as much moisture.
Kristine | Kristine's Kitchen says
I had slow cooker lasagna for dinner tonight! It is so good, and this recipe looks both delicious AND easy! I’ll have to try it next time. 🙂
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
I STILL have yet to try crockpot lasagna but this seriously looks so good I don’t even know what’s stopping me!! Also, GIRL!! How do you get lasagna to look so dang pretty in your pictures??
Samantha @ Five Heart Home says
This lasagna looks amazing, Ashley! Thank you so much for sharing my cookbook and this recipe from it. And I’m totally with you…real food and slow cookers for the win! 😉
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I saw the title of this and I immediately thought Slow Cooker LASAGNA?! And then I read your first line and I had to laugh. Clearly you are a mind reader. 😉 I am freaking out over how genius this is Ashley!! Seriously, where do you come up with all these beyond fabulous ideas?! I am TOTALLY making this next week for dinner! And if Boy is lucky I will share. Lol. Pinned! Cheers!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Yummy! I can’t believe I’ve never thought of slowcooker lasagna before either! I love how creamy it looks!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! Another winner! I always add spinach to my lasagna, not necessarily for the added veg but because I just plain like it! I think I’m going to get my son a slow cooker for Christmas, along with a compilation of recipes. He likes to cook, but he is a busy guy and I know some nights he just isn’t up for cooking.
Ashley Fehr says
The slow cooker is so perfect for those nights! I rarely add spinach to my lasagna, but I’m definitely going to start now! Thanks Dorothy!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
OMG I love magic of slow cooker 😛 and this lasagna sounds so good!! I might make it for the weekend!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Ami!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
Say no more… you had me at slow-cooker! You also had me at lasagna though – I’m an Italian food fanatic, so I can never have enough slow-cooker recipes or Italian recipes. Also taking note of your Ziti recipe! You are nailing it with awesome dinners this week, lady!
Ashley Fehr says
Haha! Don’t worry, next week is dessert after dessert after dessert. Lol.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
You are on a roll with slow cooker dishes! I’ve made lasagna in the slow cooker once, years ago, and I need to do it again! Love this spinach ricotta version…my kind of comfort food!