EASY CROCKPOT LASAGNA WITH MEAT SAUCE (NO BOIL NOODLES)

Easy crockpot lasagna with meat sauce (no boil noodles) layers tender pasta, rich meaty sauce, and creamy melted cheese into a comforting, cozy dinner that slow cooks to perfection.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

This easy crockpot lasagna is the ultimate set it and forget it comfort meal. It’s got all the cozy, homemade flavor of classic baked lasagna without any of the fuss. The slow cooker does the work for you. The meat sauce simmers while the noodles soften and the cheese melts into rich, bubbly layers. It’s family-friendly, and perfect for busy weekday dinners.

I’ve tested this recipe until it came out perfect. There’s no mushy noodles, just rich meaty sauce, melty cheese, and hearty layers. It’s foolproof, easy, and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

How To Make It

First, in a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium high heat and break it into small pieces as it cooks. lightly season it with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

NOTE: It may seem like you’re making a lot of sauce but you’re gonna need it. The lasagna noodles will absorb a lot as it cooks so don’t worry.

Now, add about ½ a cup of meat sauce to the bottom of a greased crockpot and add later of the lasagna noodles on top.

PRO TIP: Spraying the inside of the crockpot with a little cooking spray will prevent the lasagna from cooking.

NOTE: Break the lasagna sheets into smaller pieces to fit and cover the edges more evenly.

Then, in a medium sized bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper and oregano. Place half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles and spread it out evenly using the back of a spoon.

Next, repeat the layers of meat sauce, lasagna and ricotta cheese. End the layers with lasagna sheets and the rest of the meat sauce.

NOTE: Be conscious of how much meat sauce you’re using because you want to save about a cup to top it off.

Then, set the crock pot to low for about 3-4 hours or until the noodles are cooked all the way through and the sides and hot and bubbly.

PRO TIP: Simple place a butter knife into the center of the lasagna to test if the noodles are cooked all the way through. If it slides through with ease, you’re good to go.

Now, add some shredded mozzarella cheese to the top and sprinkle it with parsley. Place the lid back on top of the crockpot for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy!

What Should I Serve This With?

We like to serve this with some Homemade Garlic Bread or a nice, big side salad. Keep the sides simple because the lasagna is super hearty and filling.

Do I Have To Use No Boil Noodles?

No, you don’t have to necessarily use no boil lasagna noodles. Regular lasagna sheets are ok to use and usually cheaper than those marketed as “no boil” noodles. They’ll cook just fine in the crock pot.

Storage

Let the lasagna cool completely then place it into an air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.

This recipe freezes well, too. Place it into an air tight freezer safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to 2- 3 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator over night before reheating.

Other Easy Crock Pot Meals

If you like super easy to make crock pot meals like this you, you have to try Crock Pot Beef And Noodles, Crockpot Chicken And Noodles And Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff.