Slow Cooker Lasagna
A hearty and cheesy slow cooker lasagna with rich meat sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining classic flavors with effortless preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. no-cook lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 4 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Add tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, salt, and oregano to the skillet; mix well to combine.
- Spread 1/4 of the meat sauce in an ungreased 5-quart slow cooker.
- Arrange 1/3 of the no-cook lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Combine the shredded mozzarella, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese; spoon 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat the layering process twice: sauce, noodles, cheese mixture.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or until the noodles are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also swap out the cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier texture. If you want to add veggies, layer in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms. Ensure the noodles are well-covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out during cooking. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, just like other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Baked Spaghetti for a comforting dinner. Consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley before serving to enhance flavor and presentation. A glass of red wine also complements this hearty dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if it appears dry. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow Cooker Lasagna contains roughly 1114 calories, with 42g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (154% of the Daily Value), calcium (99% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (94% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the lasagna the night before and cook it in the morning?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if it's cold from the fridge. This makes it convenient for busy mornings!
What can I substitute for the no-cook lasagna noodles?
If you can't find no-cook lasagna noodles, you can use regular lasagna noodles. Just cook them according to the package instructions before layering them in the slow cooker. Ensure there’s enough sauce to prevent them from drying out.
How do I know when the lasagna is done cooking?
The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check by inserting a fork into the layers to see if the noodles have softened. Cooking time may vary based on your slow cooker model.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).