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.
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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna with Rich Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easiest Ever Crockpot Lasagna Recipe offers a hands-off, simple way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese cooked slowly to perfection. Perfect for busy days, it cooks all day in the slow cooker and requires minimal prep, making it convenient and delicious with fresh herb garnish.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (650 mL) jar tomato sauce
Lasagna Layers
- 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
- ½ cup water
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Cooking spray (for slow cooker)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, brown 1 lb extra-lean ground beef until almost cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add aromatics and sauce: Add diced yellow onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 jar (650 mL) of tomato sauce to the beef. Stir well and cook until onions soften and beef is fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes.
- Prepare slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the lasagna: Spread a bit of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking pieces to fit if necessary. Dollop ricotta cheese and sprinkle some mozzarella over noodles, then add more meat sauce. Repeat layering 3 times total, finishing with meat sauce.
- Add top layer and water: Pour the second jar (650 mL) of tomato sauce evenly over the top layer. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Pour ½ cup water around the edges inside the slow cooker to help the noodles cook evenly.
- Cook the lasagna: Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 6 hours until noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley, then cut and serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for busy days as it requires minimal prep and cooks hands-off in the slow cooker.
- Breaking the noodles to fit the slow cooker helps achieve even layering.
- Use oven-ready noodles for convenience or regular noodles for a softer texture.
- Leftover lasagna freezes well—store in airtight containers and reheat thoroughly.
- Adding water around the edges helps prevent dryness and ensures the noodles cook properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 264 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 84 mg



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