Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna
This crockpot lasagna might just become your new favorite way to make lasagna. There’s no need to boil noodles — just layer everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that’s full of classic lasagna flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 medium onion chopped for a flavorful base
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference
- salt and pepper to season the meat
- 4 cloves garlic minced to add bold flavor
- 2 jars 24 ounces each of marinara sauce - about 5½ cups total*
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles whole wheat or white (avoid no-boil noodles)
- 10 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese roughly 2½ cups
- grated Parmesan cheese for topping when serving
- fresh chopped parsley or basil optional for garnish and freshness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.
- Add the ground beef or turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Break noodles as needed to make a single layer. Top with ⅓ of the meat mixture, 1 cup of sauce, and ⅔ cup shredded mozzarella.
- Create a second layer with noodles, half of the remaining meat, another cup of sauce, and ⅔ cup mozzarella.
- Repeat for the third layer using noodles, remaining meat, 1 cup sauce, and ⅔ cup mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, 1½ cups of marinara sauce, and the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella on top.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, until the noodles are tender. Turn off the heat and let the lasagna rest, covered, for 20–30 minutes before serving. Open the lid slowly to avoid dripping condensation.
- Serve with grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Notes
Choose a marinara sauce you really enjoy, as its flavor will become more pronounced during cooking.
Keep in mind that slow cookers vary, so while this lasagna typically takes about 4 hours on low, your appliance may cook it slightly faster or slower. Adjust the timing as needed.
Keep in mind that slow cookers vary, so while this lasagna typically takes about 4 hours on low, your appliance may cook it slightly faster or slower. Adjust the timing as needed.