Making lasagna in the slow cooker is a genius way to get a delicious meal on the table! This 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna is so easy and tasty, it will blow your mind!!
Why make lasagna in the slow cooker?
It's really as simple as knowing that choosing your favorite pasta sauce will let you make an amazing dinner that will be done with very little effort. Is it a cheater kind of meal? Sure. In fact, it may not be so much a recipe as a meal idea. But I also know that many of you are like me and it pains you to spend a money eating out only because you didn't have time to make dinner. Having simple go-to items on hand (in this case only 3!!) makes this a dish that can serve as a backup on a busy day or even a yummy treat when everyone wants lasagna. They don't have to know it was easy to make this 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna!
Notes for making this slow cooker lasagna recipe:
- Use no boil noodles, a carton of ricotta and your favorite sauce for layers and layers of cheesy goodness.
- I love a tomato basil sauce and the fresh flavor works really well in this simple dish.
- I layered this up in my casserole crock which cooks lasagna perfectly for me every time.
- This takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will cook in about 2-3 hours on high or 4-6 on low
- Plan your time because you don't want this sitting for too long after cooking as the noodles can get overdone
If you don't have a casserole slow cooker, I've also done lasagna in my oval slow cookers and it works very well, you just have to break up the noodles to fit. Either way, get these few ingredients and make yourself a meal that will be better, easier and so much cheaper than takeout!!
Can you really make pasta dishes in the slow cooker?
Yes!! Some of my most popular recipes on this site are pasta recipes in the slow cooker! And this cheese lasagna is probably the easiest because we use no boil noodles that will cook up perfectly. They come in both flat and regular ridged so you can choose what works best for you. Other favorite pasta recipe are buffalo chicken pasta and chicken alfredo pasta.
Can I add/change/adjust this recipe?
This is a very basic recipe and delicious on it's own. It's perfect for kids and picky eaters alike, but would also be easy to customize for your family. Some ideas include:
- brown ground beef and season with Italian seasoning and add to layers
- swap ricotta for cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
- add leftover shredded chicken
- add layers of Alfredo sauce
- add fresh herbs
If you make this, leave a comment and let me know if you make it as is or if you customize it!
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna
Ingredients
- 9 oz oven ready lasagna noodles
- 48 oz tomato basil pasta sauce
- 32 oz ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray if desired
- Add 1 cup of sauce and spread over bottom of slow cooker
- Add 3-4 noodles on top of sauce, break apart if necessary
- Top with about ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- Top with ½ - ¾ cup sauce (depending on how saucy you like it)
- Repeat with noodles, ricotta and sauce 3 more times
- Top with 3-4 final noodles and one more cup of sauce
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6
Nutrition
Note: This works best in a Slow Cooker Casserole Crock but can also be made in another 4 quart or larger slow cooker. The noodles will need to be broken to fit.
Need a few more reasons to make 3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna?
- It only takes about 5 minutes to prep
- It's perfect for serving up with a tossed green salad for a complete meal
- It will be done cooking when you walk in the door, and will smell amazing!
Will adding mozzarella add to the cook time? I love a cheesy lasagna.
Yum! I think you could add the mozzarella without changing the cooking time.
This was very good, I added fresh basil and an egg to the ricotta. Be careful not to over cook.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Jill!! Thanks so much for letting me know!
I made this lasagna today. My family loved it! They are all big lasagna lovers anyway, but I am not. This one I liked. I think this is the best lasagna I've made. I cut up some sweet Italian sausage and added it for my meat loving guys. I also used some new noodles that I happened upon in Smith's grocery store, Barilla Oven-ready Rolled Flat Like Homemade. I liked them better than the rippled ones. I will definitely be trying more of your recipes.
Hi Ann! So glad you loved it! Those are the noodles I prefer too. I think the texture is just so much better. I also like plenty of sauce in my lasagna.
My family loves lasagna, however, its so time consuming that I usually only make it once or twice a year. I made this today and wow, I am truly loving this crock pot idea because when you clean up the prep mess your done for the day except for actual dinner dishes. Keep these recipes coming and I'll keep cooking.
Hi Denise!! We are on the same page...delicious food that's easy to make and more importantly easy to clean up! 😉 I have a few other lasagna recipes on the site so make sure you check them out too!
thank you,,,, looks YUMMY.
I love your recipes and your website is such an inspiration to follow. I love your lasagna recipe for the casserole slow cooker.
Thanks Peggy!
How can I make this in the oven?
Hi Florence! I'd assemble it in a typical casserole dish and then cook according to package directions on the lasagna noodles you use.
What is a "Casserole Crock Pot" ? What size and shape would you use if you had the ideal size/shape?
They are a special kind of slow cooker shaped just like a casserole dish! Fairly inexpensive and super useful. You can also make this in an oval or even round slow cooker, you will just have more layers and may need to cook a bit longer to get to the center.
I'm making this tonight and adding spinach. Can't wait to try out my new casserole crockpot! Thank you!
Hope it turned out great!!
Hi Jennifer! I absolutely love this site! I made this dish & my family absolutely loved it! No leftovers in sight! Thanks for giving me more dishes to cook in my crockpots!
Thanks Meyia! So glad your family like the recipe 🙂
Hey Jennifer I am really loving all of these recipes you have put on this site, you have turned me into a crockpot cooking king and it is definitely a time saver for a busy single guy! Keep cranking out these recipes and I can't wait to see what you come up with next!!!
Hi Nathan! Thanks! So glad you are finding some recipes you like. I promise I have lots more in the works!