If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely have to try Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe. This charming take on classic lasagna brings all the rich, layered flavors you love together in one easy, hands-off slow cooker masterpiece. With tender noodles, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese layers, this dish transforms your kitchen into a cozy Italian trattoria without the fuss. Trust me, Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is destined to become your new favorite weeknight dinner or Sunday family feast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a crucial role—from the aromatic garlic and herbs in the sauce to the melty cheeses that make every bite dreamy. Here’s what you’ll gather before letting your crockpot work its magic:
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base for the sauce without excess fat.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce: Forms the rich, tangy foundation of the sauce.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained): Gives texture and freshness to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves: Infuses that classic Italian herbaceous flavor.
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley: Brightens up the sauce with a mild, fresh note.
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced): Essential for that irresistible aromatic kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients’ flavors beautifully.
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Provides gooey, melty indulgence in every layer.
- 1 container (16 ounces) cottage cheese: Adds creamy texture and a hint of tang.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharpens the flavor with its nutty and salty richness.
- 15 uncooked lasagna noodles: Layer up the structure and soak up those delicious sauces.
- 8 oz ball of fresh mozzarella (cut into 8-10 thin slices): Offers luscious pockets of creamy cheese throughout the dish.
How to Make Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by browning your ground beef and chopped onion together in a skillet over medium heat. This step builds the foundation for your sauce by releasing those savory, caramelized flavors. Once the beef is cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat to keep it lean. Stir in the tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, dried basil, parsley, minced garlic, and salt to create a fragrant, well-seasoned meat sauce that smells irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses
While your sauce simmers, combine one cup of shredded mozzarella with the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan in a bowl. This delightful blend will add creaminess and richness to your layers. Don’t forget to refrigerate the remaining mozzarella for sprinkling on top later—this ensures golden, bubbling cheese that finishes the lasagna perfectly.
Step 3: Layer It Up in the Crockpot
Give your crockpot a quick spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Start by spooning one-fourth of the meat sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Break five lasagna noodles to fit and layer them on top. Spread half of your cheese mixture evenly over the noodles, then add 4-5 slices of fresh mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times—meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, fresh mozzarella—then finish with the remaining noodles and meat sauce on top. This careful layering ensures every bite has that perfect balance of sauce, pasta, and cheese.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Lasagna
Cover your crockpot and set it to Low heat. Let the lasagna cook for 5 to 6 hours. Slow cooking gently softens the noodles and melds the flavors beautifully. The long, slow heat is what turns this into a tender, luscious dish that’s well worth the wait.
Step 5: Final Cheese Topping and Rest
Once the slow cooking is done, sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded mozzarella over the top. Turn off your crockpot and cover it again, letting the lasagna rest for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period helps it set up nicely so it slices cleanly and boasts that irresistible melty cheese crust everyone loves.
How to Serve Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese and sauce. A light dusting of extra grated Parmesan can add a final savory punch that your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp green salads tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is lovely for mopping up every last bit of sauce and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family-style presentation, serve the lasagna straight from the crockpot at the table. Alternatively, ladle a slice onto rustic plates and add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a spoonful of pesto for an extra pop of flavor and color that makes the dish look as wonderful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen, making the next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
This lasagna freezes well if you want to prep in advance or save some for later. Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the lasagna slice in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it covered to retain moisture, but the oven helps restore that fresh-baked texture and melty cheesy top.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this recipe?
Yes! No-boil noodles actually work wonderfully here because the slow cooking time allows them to soften perfectly without pre-cooking, simplifying the process even more.
Do I have to brown the beef first?
While browning the beef adds extra depth of flavor, you could skip this step in a pinch. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and drain well if you decide to cook the beef directly in the crockpot.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a fantastic substitute that will still give your lasagna a creamy texture and rich flavor.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
After 5 to 6 hours on Low, the noodles should be tender and the sauce bubbly. You can check by carefully lifting the edge to test the noodles—if they are soft and everything is heated through, it’s ready to serve.
Can I double this recipe for a larger slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough to hold the extended layers. You may need to increase cooking time slightly, but slow cooking makes scaling up pretty straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers layers of flavor without a lot of fuss. Give it a try, and you might just find a new go-to meal that feels like a loving hug anytime you need it!
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Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Grandma’s Crockpot Lasagna recipe offers a comforting and hearty Italian classic made easy using a slow cooker. Layers of seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, three types of cheese, and tender lasagna noodles simmer to perfection over several hours, creating a luscious, cheesy casserole perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
- 2 Tablespoons dried parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheeses
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 container (16 ounces) cottage cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella ball, cut into 8–10 thin slices
Other
- 15 uncooked lasagna noodles
- Cooking spray for crockpot
Instructions
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, dried basil, dried parsley, minced garlic, and salt, mixing well to combine the sauce.
- Mix Cheeses: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside the remaining mozzarella cheese to be used later after cooking.
- Layer the Lasagna: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Start by spooning one-fourth of the beef sauce mixture into the bottom of the crockpot. Break 5 noodles into pieces to fit and layer on top. Spread half of the mixed cheese mixture over the noodles, then place 4-5 thin slices of fresh mozzarella over the cheese. Repeat this layering process with another one-fourth of the beef mixture, 5 more noodles, the remaining cheese mixture, and another 4-5 slices of fresh mozzarella. Finish with the last one-fourth of the beef mixture and the remaining 5 noodles, topping with the final portion of the beef mixture.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low heat for 5 to 6 hours until the noodles are tender and the lasagna is heated through and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the cooked lasagna. Turn off the crockpot and cover; let the lasagna stand for about 15 to 20 minutes to help it set and make slicing easier. Cut into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use uncooked noodles designed for no-boil or crockpot use to ensure they cook properly during slow cooking.
- Breaking noodles into pieces helps them fit better in the crockpot and layer evenly.
- Allowing the lasagna to stand after cooking helps flavors meld and improves texture for cutting.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- This recipe can be made a day ahead and refrigerated before cooking; just add a bit more cook time if using directly from the fridge.
