Name: Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb extra-lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 (650 mL) jar tomato sauce; 1 lb lasagna noodles (uncooked, oven-ready or regular); 1 (475 g) tub ricotta cheese; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 (650 mL) additional jar tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water; Chopped fresh basil or parsley; Cooking spray (for slow cooker)

If you love classic Italian flavors but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s hands-off, comforting, and absolutely packed with that cozy, hearty flavor we all crave.

The image shows a round dish of baked lasagna in a black slow cooker, placed on a white marbled surface. The lasagna has multiple visible layers of reddish-brown tomato sauce mixed with melted cheese, which is browned on the top and bubbly, creating a textured surface. Sprinkled finely chopped green herbs lightly cover the top, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors. The black slow cooker has a glossy finish that reflects light softly around its edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a ton of lasagnas over the years, but this easy crockpot version seriously stands out — it’s foolproof, slow-cooked to cheesy, meaty perfection, and just gets better the longer it simmers away.

Hands-off cooking: Prep it in minutes, then let the slow cooker do all the work while you handle your day.
Rich, meaty sauce: Ground beef and tomato sauce build deep, hearty layers that make every bite satisfying.
Perfectly tender noodles: No need to pre-cook the noodles — they soften beautifully right in the crockpot.
Fresh herb garnish: Bright basil or parsley finishes the dish with a burst of fresh flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When picking out your ingredients, I recommend grabbing fresh basics — quality tomato sauce and fresh herbs really make the flavors pop. You can choose either oven-ready or traditional noodles depending on what you have, and don’t skip the ricotta for that creamy layer we all love.

Flat lay of a raw pound of extra-lean ground beef shaped loosely, one yellow onion whole and unpeeled, two cloves of garlic with papery skins intact, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, uncooked flat lasagna noodles stacked neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red marinara tomato sauce, a small white bowl of fresh ricotta cheese, a small white bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of clear water, and a few sprigs of fresh green basil and parsley leaves scattered artfully, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cooking spray: Keeps the slow cooker clean and prevents sticking for easy serving.
Extra-lean ground beef: Adds hearty protein without excess fat.
Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the meat sauce.
Garlic cloves: Give that unmistakable Italian aroma and flavor punch.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every component.
Tomato sauce: Twice the jars since it layers throughout, creating that rich tomato flavor we crave.
Lasagna noodles: Choose oven-ready for convenience or regular for softer texture; they cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Ricotta cheese: The creamy, dreamy layer that makes lasagna irresistibly luscious.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
Water: Poured around the edges to help the noodles cook evenly and keep the dish moist.
Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the rich flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe is how flexible it is. Feel free to tweak the layers, swap cheeses, or add veggies to customize it perfectly for your taste or dietary needs.

Vegetarian variation: I like swapping out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. It keeps that hearty texture and adds a lovely freshness to the dish.
Cheese swap: Sometimes I add a little Parmesan or even provolone in the layers for extra flavor – it melts beautifully and keeps things extra gooey.
Seasonal herbs: While fresh basil or parsley is classic, mixing in fresh oregano or thyme depending on the season can brighten your lasagna in a delightful way.
Gluten-free option: I’ve had great success using gluten-free lasagna noodles—just make sure to adjust the layering so the noodles cook through completely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side photos of a black slow cooker on a white marbled surface with a white and blue striped cloth underneath. The left photo shows the first layer inside the cooker: a thick, chunky red meat sauce with visible bits of ground meat and small vegetable pieces. The right photo shows the next layer, where five uncooked pale yellow lasagna sheets are placed unevenly on top of the meat sauce, some overlapping and with one square piece. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Start by heating a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of extra-lean ground beef and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s almost fully browned. This is where those savory, meaty aromas begin filling your kitchen. Then, toss in the diced yellow onion and minced garlic, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and pour in 1 jar (650 mL) of tomato sauce. Stir everything well and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the onions soften and the beef finishes cooking. This rich meat sauce is the heart of your lasagna, so take a moment to savor those flavors!

Step 2: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Before you start layering, spray your slow cooker’s insert generously with cooking spray. This little step prevents sticking and makes clean up so much easier later on.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Begin by spreading a spoonful of that savory meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. Depending on your slow cooker size, you may need to break some noodles to fit snugly. Then dollop on scoops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle a handful of mozzarella cheese over the noodles. Follow this with another generous layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers about three times total, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce to tie it all together.

Step 4: Top It Off and Add Water

Pour the second jar (650 mL) of tomato sauce evenly over your lasagna’s topmost layer. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously on top for that irresistible gooey finish. To help cook the noodles perfectly and keep everything moist, carefully pour ½ cup of water around the edges inside the slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and cook the lasagna on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbling. The slow cooking gently melds the rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella into a harmonious classic Italian dish.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once cooked, let the lasagna rest in the crockpot for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time helps it set and makes slicing much easier. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish that perfectly complements the hearty flavors.

Top Tip

Mastering the Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe is easier than you think! These tips will help you get the perfect layers, texture, and flavor every time without any fuss.

Layering Matters: Breaking the lasagna noodles into pieces helps them fit snugly in the slow cooker and cook evenly without clumping or dry spots.
Use Oven-Ready or Regular Noodles: I've learned that while oven-ready noodles save prep time, regular noodles tend to yield a softer, creamier bite after slow cooking.
Water Around the Edges: Pouring ½ cup of water around the edges before cooking prevents dryness and ensures the noodles soften perfectly.
Let It Rest: Resist the temptation to dig in right away! Letting the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes helps it set and makes serving neater and easier.

How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe

A piece of lasagna is placed at the center of a small white plate. The lasagna shows many layers, starting with a base of pasta sheets, followed by a thick red meat sauce with ground meat chunks, then a creamy white cheese layer with a crumbly texture, repeated several times to create about five visible layers. The top layer is covered with melted, slightly browned cheese sprinkled with small green parsley leaves. Two slices of yellow garlic bread lean against the back edge of the plate. In the background, a second small white bowl filled with more lasagna is visible with melted cheese on top. Everything is set on a wooden board partly covered with a white and blue striped cloth, and the background’s white marbled texture completes the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs bring your Crockpot Lasagna to life. Garnish generously with chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a pretty pop of color and a boost of freshness that beautifully complements the rich tomato sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair your lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce and cheese. For veggies, steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus work wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Crockpot Lasagna in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it a great option for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions or the whole dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. This keeps the sauce moist and the cheese perfectly melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones?

Absolutely! Both oven-ready and regular noodles work well. Regular noodles might need a bit more cooking time, but with the added water and slow cooker’s moisture, they soften nicely.

What if I don’t have ground beef? Can I use other meats?

Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. Just cook the meat fully before layering.

Is it necessary to add water around the edges?

Adding ½ cup water around the edges helps prevent the noodles from drying out and ensures even cooking. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.

How do I know when the lasagna is done in the slow cooker?

The lasagna is ready when the noodles are tender, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through. Cooking on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours usually does the trick perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a slow-cooked lasagna that’s rich in tomato sauce, layered with cheesy goodness, and made with minimal effort. This Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe is a lifesaver on busy days — just set it up, let it work its magic, and come back to a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home as it is in mine!