If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that practically makes itself, look no further than this Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe. This dish takes the classic lasagna you love – with its creamy cheese layers, savory meat sauce, and tender noodles – and transforms it into a hands-off, slow-cooked masterpiece. Perfect for busy days or feeding a hungry gathering, this recipe fills your home with irresistible aromas and delivers slice after slice of pure, gooey satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe sing. Each ingredient has a role, from the richness of the cheeses to the robust flavors of meat and sauce, creating a harmonious balance that guarantees layers full of flavor and texture.
- Cottage Cheese: Provides a creamy, slightly tangy base that contrasts beautifully with the meats and sauce.
- Large Eggs: Help bind the cheese mixture so every layer holds together perfectly after cooking.
- Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Offers that classic melt and stringy texture that makes lasagna so irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick which enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground Beef (browned): Brings hearty richness and a meaty depth that’s essential for a satisfying lasagna.
- Mild Italian Sausage (browned): Introduces subtle seasoning and juiciness that compliments the beef beautifully.
- Traditional Spaghetti Sauce (2 jars): The saucy heart of your lasagna, packed with herbs and tomato flavor.
- Mushrooms Pieces and Stems (drained): Adds an earthy, tender bite that boosts the dish’s texture.
- Dried Minced Onion: Imparts sweet onion undertones without extra moisture.
- Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that tie all the layers together with vibrant flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles: The necessary foundation for stacking all the delicious layers, no need to pre-cook them for this recipe!
- Salt & Pepper: To taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown Your Meats
Start by browning the ground beef and mild Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial for developing rich, meaty flavors and allows you to drain excess fat if needed. Browning also ensures your meats are cooked through before layering in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, and all the parmesan cheese. Blend these until smooth and well incorporated. This creamy mixture will give you that luscious, tender lasagna texture that everyone loves.
Step 3: Make the Meat Sauce Mix
Using the same pan (to capture all the meaty goodness), add one jar of spaghetti sauce, drained mushrooms, dried minced onion, and Italian seasoning to the browned meat. Stir everything together and let the flavors meld. This saucy, meaty mix is the savory heart of your lasagna.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker
Generously grease a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker right up to the sides so none of the lasagna sticks. Begin by spreading half a jar of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom. Arrange uncooked lasagna noodles on top, breaking them as necessary to fit snugly. Then layer half of the prepared cheese mixture, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat those layers once more, finish with one last layer of noodles, and top with the remaining spaghetti sauce spread evenly. This layering ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Slow Cook and Melt the Cheese
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for four to five hours. Near the end of cooking, remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese all over the top. Replace the lid and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and leave the lasagna covered to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set so slices come out clean and beautiful. Your Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed—perhaps garnished with fresh parsley or served alongside garlic bread for a full Italian feast.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your lasagna presentation. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens rich flavors. If you love a creamy twist, try a drizzle of ranch dressing—surprisingly delicious and complementary!
Side Dishes
Lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh greens like a classic Caesar or mixed green salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must-have on the side for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini slow cookers for a charming personal touch. Another idea is to layer the lasagna into deep muffin tins for fun, grab-and-go lasagna “cups” perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It keeps well and the flavors continue to develop as it rests further.
Freezing
This Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently either in the microwave or in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Warm through until the cheese bubbles once again, restoring that fresh-out-of-the-slow-cooker magic.
FAQs
Can I use no-boil noodles for this slow cooker lasagna?
Yes! Uncooked lasagna noodles work perfectly in this recipe because the slow cooker’s moisture softens them while cooking. Just be sure to break or layer noodles to fit your slow cooker shape.
Is it possible to make this lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and sausage and add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce mixture for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
This lasagna needs about 4 to 5 hours on low heat in the slow cooker. Cooking for too long may cause the noodles to get overly soft, so keep an eye toward the end.
Can I prepare the lasagna the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Just add extra 30 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully heated through.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix your own blend using dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram or simply use an Italian herb blend from your spice rack.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about coming home to a warm, hearty meal that has been slowly cooking all day. This Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe offers just that — a comforting, rich, and easy-to-make dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a luscious Italian classic without the fuss. Give it a try and let the flavors work their magic!
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Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of browned ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy cottage cheese mixed with eggs and parmesan, lasagna noodles, and rich marinara sauce slow cook together to create a deliciously tender and cheesy meal. The slow cooker method makes it convenient while developing deep flavors, finished with a melted mozzarella topping for a classic lasagna experience.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 6 Cups (48 Oz) Cottage Cheese
- 4 Large Eggs
- 3 Cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese (divided)
- ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese
Meat Mixture
- 1 Lb Ground Beef (browned)
- ½ Lb Mild Italian Sausage (browned)
Other Ingredients
- 2 (24 oz) Jars Traditional Spaghetti Sauce (divided)
- 1 (8 oz) Can Mushrooms Pieces and Stems (drained)
- ¼ Cup Dried Minced Onion
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ Package Lasagna Noodles (uncooked)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pan or skillet, brown the ground beef and mild Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. This step adds rich flavor to the meat layer. Once browned, set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, and all the parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Set this cheese mixture aside for layering later.
- Make the Meat Sauce Mixture: Using the same pan with the browned meat, add one jar of spaghetti sauce, drained mushrooms, dried minced onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and heat through briefly. Set aside.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker on all sides including up the sides to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Start Layering the Lasagna: Spread half a jar of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then create the first layer by arranging uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit the slow cooker’s shape.
- Add Cheese Layer: Spread half of the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Add Meat Layer: Spread half of the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Build Second Layer: Add another layer of uncooked lasagna noodles followed by the remaining cheese mixture.
- Add Remaining Meat Layer: Spread the rest of the meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Top with Noodles and Sauce: Add one last layer of noodles, then cover with the remaining half jar of spaghetti sauce, spreading evenly.
- Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the noodles are tender and the dish is heated through.
- Melt the Mozzarella Topping: During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and allow it to melt.
- Rest and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, turn off the heat and keep the lid off to let the lasagna cool for 15 to 20 minutes. The flavors will settle and it will be easier to slice. Serve garnished with parsley, accompanied by ranch dressing and garlic bread if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to grease the slow cooker well, including the sides, to prevent sticking.
- Uncooked noodles work well in slow cooker recipes since they soften during cooking.
- The resting time after cooking improves lasagna texture and makes slicing easier.
- Customize by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers in the meat sauce if desired.
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
