Slow Cooker Foodie

Slow Cooker Lasagna {With Ricotta}

Easy slow cooker lasagna recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Full of pasta, bolognese sauce, marinara, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella cheese.

This is the best way to make lasagna when you can’t be around to keep an eye on it. Just layer the ingredients in the crockpot and let it cook while you work or manage life. It will be ready and waiting whenever you are! It is such a time saver to not have to make dinner in the evening. Here are a few more variations on lasagna that still offer the ease of of the slow cooker. Make sure to try this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup or this Slow Cooker Eggplant Lasagna.

How To Make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe From Scratch?

  1. Prepare the bolognese sauce.
  2. Prepare ricotta cheese mixture– In a bowl, add ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, half the mozzarella cheese and mix. Keep aside.
  3. Assemble lasagna– Spread 1 cup of the bolognese sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
  4. Pour 1/3 cup water.
  5. Top with 3 lasagna noodles– Spread some of cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
  6. Repeat more layers– Until bolognese and cheese mixture is used up.
  7. Add water– Along the sides of the crockpot.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese– On top.
  9. Cover and cook– On Low heat until noodles are tender.
  10. Cut slices– And enjoy!

Can I Put Dry Dry Pasta In Slow Cooker?

Yes, but you need to make sure there is enough liquid to boil and cook the noodles thoroughly so pay close attention to the water content.

Why did my last lasagna turn out soupy?

If the sauce you use is too watery, or there is too much water added to the lasagna it can become soupy. Make sure to use exact measurements.

Do You Cook Meat Before Putting It In Lasagna?

Yes, the meat will be cooked before putting it in to the lasagna if you use the bolognese recipe I include in the recipe card below. If you are adding meat to a jar of sauce, then yes, brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot.

What To Serve With Crockpot Lasagna?

Because this dish is so heavy, serve it with a side of vegetables such as this Slow Cooker Creamy Brussels Sprouts, Slow Cooker Garlic Mushrooms, Slow Cooker Yellow Squash Casserole, Slow Cooker Green Bean Casserole, or Slow Cooker Candied Carrots.

A vegetable based soup would also make a great addition to this meal like this Slow Cooker Carrot Soup, Slow Cooker Cream Of Broccoli Soup, Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup, or Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup.

You could also serve a light green salad, or any form of roasted vegetables with this lasagna.

Why Do You Put Eggs In Lasagna?

The eggs act as a binding agent in the cheese mixture to make it thick and distinct as its own layer.

Why Is My Lasagna Dry?

This is usually due to insufficient liquid in the crockpot, or that it is overcooked and the liquid evaporated completely leaving the lasagna dry. To avoid this, make sure to add the correct amount of sauce and water and to cook on Low heat for 4-5 hours or until the noodles are tender.

Variations For Italian Lasagne

Use Alfredo sauce/white sauce– For a creamier version of this lasagna.

Make it vegan– Use vegan cheese instead of regular, and leave out the meat from the sauce.

Try other cheeses and blends– Try adding asiago, gouda, smoked mozzarella, or provolone to the mix.

Make vegetarian lasagna– Use this Mushroom Bolognese Sauce and add other veggies such as zucchini, carrots, eggplant, squash, pumpkin, bell peppers, or spinach.

Make it spicy– Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little more flavor and kick.

Use other seasonings– Such as Mexican seasoning, Greek Seasoning, or Cajun seasoning for a flavor twist.

Make it Mexican– Use a Mexican cheese blend, Mexican seasoning, and beans. You can also top it with lettuce and sour cream if you like.

Add other meat– Such as Italian sausage, bacon, or ground turkey for a leaner option.

Make it gluten-free– Use gluten free lasagna noodles.

Tips And Techniques

Use freshly shredded cheese– Because this will melt better than pre-shredded cheese which contains an anti-caking agent that makes it not melt as nicely.

Pay close attention to water quantity– If your noodles are thick or your bolognese sauce is thick, you will need to use a total of 1 cup water- 1/2 cup at the bottom and 1/2 cup along the sides. Make sure to pay attention to this detail to prevent a dry lasagna, and so the noodles can cook through.

Use jar sauce, store-bought marinara or bolognese– They are quick and convenient, making this lasagna even more no-fuss.

Must use uncooked pasta– The liquid and the moisture in the crockpot will cook it through completely.

Use full-fat ingredients– This creates the richest and creamiest flavor and texture for this lasagna.

My noodles don’t fit? Break the noodles however needed in order to make a complete layer in the crockpot.

What size jar of sauce to use? A 32oz jar of sauce will be sufficient.

How to know lasagna is done cooking? Cook on Low heat for 4-5 hours or until the noodles are tender.

Storage

Refrigerate– In a sealed container for up to 3 days.

Freeze– In a freezer safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheat– From thawed in the microwave or oven.

More Slow Cooker Pasta Recipes

White Plate With a Slice of Slow Cooker Lasagna

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 People

Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Prepare the bolognese sauce.
  • Prepare the ricotta cheese mixture: In a medium size-mixing bowl, add ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, half the mozzarella cheese and mix until combined. Keep aside.
  • Assemble lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of the bolognese sauce at the bottom of the crockpot (6 quart or larger).
  • Pour 1/3 cup water.
  • Then, top with 3 lasagna noodles. You may need to break some noodles to make them fit properly.
  • Then spread some of cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
  • Repeat with more layers until the bolognese sauce and ricotta cheese mixture is all used up.
  • Add 1/3 cup water along the sides of the crockpot.
  • If your noodles are thick or your bolognese sauce is thick, you will need to use a total of 1 cup water- 1/2 cup at the bottom and 1/2 cup along the sides.
  • Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cover and cook on Low heat for 4-5 hours, or until noodles are tender.
  • It's a little hard to cut all perfect square slices but still tastes delicious. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal, Carbohydrates: 32g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 113mg, Sodium: 558mg, Potassium: 222mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 804IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 546mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 474
Author: Abeer Rizvi
Spatula With Slice of Italian Bolognese Lasagne- Closeup Shot
Collage Image With Step by Step Pictures on How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating