Crockpot Lasagna with Italian Sausage
This Crockpot Lasagna with Italian Sausage offers a rich and comforting slow-cooked meal combining savory Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tender no-boil noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, this one-pot dish delivers traditional lasagna flavors with minimal hands-on time and easy cleanup.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free noodles)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb sweet or spicy ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 9–12 no-boil lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
- Prepare the Sausage and Sauce: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until fully cooked. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Layers in the Crockpot: Spoon a thin layer of the sausage sauce at the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking. Add a layer of no-boil noodles, spread a portion of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle shredded mozzarella, then cover with more sauce. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Slow Cook Your Lasagna: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until noodles are tender and cheese is melted. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Turn off the crockpot and allow lasagna to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Use no-boil noodles to save time and ensure perfect softening in the crockpot.
- Drain excess fat from sausage after browning to prevent greasiness.
- Layer ingredients evenly to distribute flavors well.
- Do not frequently lift the crockpot lid during cooking to maintain heat.
- Allow lasagna to cool slightly before serving for better texture and easier slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Crockpot lasagna, Italian sausage lasagna, slow cooker lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner