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 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 this classic dish: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup or this Slow Cooker Eggplant Lasagna.

Jump to:

• How to make easy slow cooker lasagna recipe from scratch?
• What to serve with this meal?
• Variations for Italian lasagne
• Tips and techniques
• Recipe FAQs
• Storage
• More slow cooker pasta dinner ideas
• Recipe

How to make easy slow cooker lasagna recipe from scratch?

1. Prepare mixtures- You will need bolognese sauce and ricotta cheese mixture.
2. Assemble- With layers of lasagna noodles, cheese mixture and bolognese sauce.
3. Add topping- I like to use lots of mozzarella cheese.
4. Cover and cook-Until noodles are tender.

What to serve with this meal?

• Since 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.

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- ½ cup at the bottom and ½ 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.
• Do you cook meat before putting it in lasagna? Yes, the meat will be cooked beforehand. If you are adding meat to a jar of sauce, then yes, brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot.

Recipe FAQs

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 dinner ideas

• Slow Cooker Chicken And Mushroom Pasta
• Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Pasta
• Slow Cooker Pasta
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese
• Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Slow Cooker American Goulash

Recipe