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Layered Crockpot Lasagna with Meaty Marinara

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A comforting, easy-to-assemble lasagna made in the slow cooker, combining layers of pasta, hearty meat sauce, creamy cheese, and rich Italian flavors—without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or combination beef and Italian sausage)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 8–10 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg (optional; helps bind the cheese layer)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef (and sausage if using) until browned; drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté another 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly, then remove from heat.
  4. Lightly coat the inside of the crockpot with non-stick spray or a little oil.
  5. Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom.
  6. Arrange 2–3 lasagna noodles on top, breaking them as needed to fit.
  7. Mix ricotta with egg, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan. Dollop and spread over noodles.
  8. Sprinkle with a thin layer of mozzarella.
  9. Repeat layers: sauce → noodles → ricotta mixture → mozzarella until ingredients are used, ending with a generous cheese layer.
  10. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours (or high for 2½–3 hours), until noodles are tender and cheese is melted.
  11. If desired, uncover for the last 15 minutes to slightly brown the cheese.
  12. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve directly from the crockpot.

Notes

  • Use sautéed mushrooms and zucchini instead of meat for a vegetarian version.
  • Add baby spinach or kale layers for extra greens.
  • Try Italian blend or provolone cheese for variation.
  • Spice it up with red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
  • Prepare ahead and refrigerate overnight—just add 30 mins to cook time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/layered-crockpot-lasagna-with-meaty-marinara/