
The smell of cheese made my kitchen feel cozy. I was making an easy crockpot lasagna, a family favorite. This slow cooker lasagna is simple to make.
It has layers of ricotta, marinara, and noodles. These ingredients mix together easily. They make my home smell amazing and promise a tasty dinner.
If you want to make meals easy but delicious, try this crockpot lasagna with ricotta. It’s a great choice for family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The best crockpot lasagna is easy and tasty. It’s perfect for busy home cooks. You can spend more time with your family and less time cooking.
This recipe uses simple ingredients. Ricotta cheese and marinara sauce make a great mix. You can make it in just a few minutes.
It’s also great for leftovers. Many say it tastes better the next day. It’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Reheating is easy, making it a hassle-free meal.
Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna
Making a tasty ricotta lasagna in your crockpot is easy. You just need the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need for this comforting dish:
- 1 lb extra-lean ground beef (or ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 jars of tomato sauce (I recommend Classico Sweet Basil Marinara)
- 1 lb lasagna noodles (you can use oven-ready or regular)
- 475g tub of ricotta cheese
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ยฝ cup water
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Each ingredient adds something special to the dish. Together, they create a savory flavor. This dish is sure to please your family and friends every time.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna with Ricotta: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making crockpot lasagna is fun and easy. First, I cook ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet. They get almost done.
Then, I mix the meat with tomato sauce. This makes every bite full of flavor.
Now, it’s time to layer. I put meat sauce and lasagna noodles in the crockpot. Next, I add ricotta cheese and mozzarella.
I keep layering until I use all the ingredients. I finish with tomato sauce and a bit of water to stay moist.
Cooking times vary. I cook it for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low. This lets all the flavors mix well.
When it’s done, I add fresh basil or parsley. This makes the dish look and taste great. It’s perfect for any meal or a cozy night.
Serving Tips for Your Lasagna
To make my lasagna dinner better, I add a few simple touches. I love serving it with crusty garlic bread or warm breadsticks. They’re great for dipping in the sauce and cheese.
A fresh Caesar salad or a light garden salad is also a hit. They add a refreshing touch to the rich lasagna. The crisp greens and tangy dressings make the meal brighter.
Adding roasted or steamed veggies on the side is a good idea. Broccoli, asparagus, or a mix of veggies add color and health. This makes the lasagna dinner more satisfying and balanced.
With these tips, my crockpot lasagna becomes a highlight of any meal. It looks and tastes amazing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After enjoying my homemade lasagna in a slow cooker, I often find myself with delicious leftovers. To keep your lasagna fresh, store any remaining portions in an airtight container. This keeps it good for up to five days.
If you have more than enough, consider freezing the lasagna. Both uncooked and cooked versions can be frozen for up to three months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating, I find it simple and effective. Sprinkle a bit of water over the dish and microwave it for 2-3 minutes. Or, bake it in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF for about 20 minutes. These tips help keep your lasagna tasty and comforting.