Easy Crockpot Lasagna with Ricotta: Comfort Food Bliss

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the warm, gooey goodness of crockpot lasagna with ricotta. Picture layers of rich marinara sauce, bubbly cheese, and tender noodles melding together into a masterpiece that would make even your Italian grandmother shed a tear. The aroma wafting through your home is like a cozy hug on a chilly day, wrapping you in anticipation as it simmers away.

I remember the first time I made this dish; it was during a family gathering where everyone was trying to outdo each other in the kitchen. I decided to take the low road and let my trusty crockpot work its magic. Spoiler alert: it was a hit! Everyone gathered around, plates piled high, and I basked in the glory of my culinary genius while secretly thanking my slow cooker for doing all the heavy lifting.

I recall my best friend’s face lighting up when she took her first bite of this lasagna—it was pure joy!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Lasagna Noodles: Use no-boil noodles for convenience; they’ll soak up all the delicious flavors as they cook.

• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess that makes each bite heavenly.

• Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce saves time; look for one with no added sugar for authenticity.

• Ground Beef or Sausage: Choose lean meat to avoid greasiness while still keeping those hearty flavors intact.

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella; it melts beautifully and provides that gooey texture we all crave.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth; skip the pre-packaged stuff if you can!

• Fresh Basil or Oregano: Fresh herbs elevate every layer; they provide brightness that balances all that richness.

• Eggs: Beat an egg into the ricotta mix for creaminess and stability in layering.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Prepare Your Meat Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef or sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and stir in some marinara sauce until combined.

Create Your Ricotta Blend: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with beaten eggs, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. This creates a creamy filling that’s simply divine.

Layering Time!: In your crockpot, spread some marinara sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat mixture, mozzarella cheese, and repeat until ingredients are used up.

Crockpot Cooking Magic!: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The layers should meld perfectly by the end!

The Finishing Touches: Once done cooking, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top and let it melt beautifully before serving. You’ll know it’s ready when everything bubbles invitingly!

Enjoy this incredible crockpot lasagna with ricotta straight from the pot or let it cool slightly before cutting into those glorious layers. Each serving promises warmth and happiness—a truly satisfying meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Layer your ingredients thoughtfully, starting with sauce, then noodles, followed by cheese and meat. This will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Creating this dish reminds me of that time I tried to impress my friends with my culinary skills, only to have them ask if I was serving them lasagna soup instead!

FAQ

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

Yes, but you’ll need to pre-cook them for best results.

How long should I cook crockpot lasagna with ricotta?

Cook on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Can I freeze leftover crockpot lasagna?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s stored in an airtight container before freezing.

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Crockpot Lasagna with Ricotta

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Crockpot lasagna with ricotta is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of rich marinara, gooey cheese, and tender noodles into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This easy-to-make dish fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 lb lean ground beef or sausage
• 3 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp fresh basil or oregano (optional)
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage until fully cooked; drain excess fat and mix with marinara sauce.
2. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, herbs, salt, and pepper to create the filling.
3. In your crockpot, spread some marinara sauce at the bottom. Layer noodles, ricotta mixture, meat mixture, mozzarella cheese, and repeat until all ingredients are used.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until bubbly.
5. Before serving, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top and let it melt.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 200g)
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 85mg