Name: Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1½ tsp Italian Seasoning; Salt & Pepper; 45 oz jar high quality pasta sauce; 4 cups Mozzarella cheese; 30 oz package cheese & spinach filled ravioli

This lazy crockpot lasagna recipe is perfect for those days when you crave a comforting, cheesy dish but don't have the time or energy for traditional lasagna. Using a crockpot not only simplifies the process but also ensures a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Photos of Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

If you're not familiar with cheese and spinach filled ravioli, don't worry. These filled pasta pockets can usually be found in the refrigerated or frozen section of your supermarket. Opt for a high-quality pasta sauce to enhance the flavor of the dish. The rest of the ingredients are pantry staples that you likely already have at home.

Ingredients For Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

lean ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty flavor to the lasagna base.

onion: Provides a sweet and savory depth to the dish.

garlic: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile.

italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil to elevate the taste.

salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances other flavors.

pasta sauce: The heart of the lasagna, providing a rich tomato base.

mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving the dish its cheesy goodness.

cheese & spinach filled ravioli: Serves as the lazy lasagna noodles, packed with flavor.

One reader, Cosetta Rosenthal says:

This lazy crockpot lasagna recipe is a game-changer! The ravioli makes it so easy, and the flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food without the fuss. Highly recommend!

Cosetta Rosenthal

Techniques Required for Making Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

How to brown ground beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. How to chop an onion: Peel the onion, cut it in half, and then make horizontal and vertical cuts to dice it into small pieces. How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves, then finely chop them using a knife or a garlic press. How to drain fat: After browning the ground beef, tilt the skillet to one side and use a spoon to remove excess fat, or pour it out carefully while holding back the meat with a spatula. How to layer ingredients in a crock pot: Start by spreading a layer of sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of ravioli, and then a layer of cheese. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

How To Make Lazy Crock Pot Lasagna

Make a dish that do not require a huge amount of time and effort like this crockpot lasagna recipe. It’s cheesy and tender a very easy to make.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 3 hours

Total: 3 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lblean ground beef
1smallonion,diced
2clovesgarlic,minced
1½tspItalian seasoning
salt & pepper,to taste
45ozjar high quality pasta sauce
4cupsmozzarella cheese
30ozpackage cheese & spinach filled ravioli,uncooked

Instructions

Brown ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
Stir in Italian seasoning and pasta sauce. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Spray the inside of a 6 to 7-quart crock pot with cooking spray. Layer sauce, ravioli and cheese.
Repeat layers ending with cheese. Cover and cook on Low 3 to 4 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 966.86kcal
Fat: 53.43g
Saturated Fat: 28.63g
Trans Fat: 0.68g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16.95g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.61g
Carbohydrates: 66.37g
Fiber: 5.12g
Sugar: 11.47g
Protein: 54.56g
Cholesterol: 203.74mg
Sodium: 2060.34mg
Calcium: 968.91mg
Potassium: 871.16mg
Iron: 4.46mg
Vitamin A: 351.62µg
Vitamin C: 4.16mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

To enhance the flavor of the ground beef, consider adding a splash of red wine while browning it. This will deglaze the pan and incorporate rich, complex flavors into your sauce.

Time-Saving Tips for Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

Pre-cook the beef: Brown the ground beef and onion the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Layer efficiently: Organize your ravioli, sauce, and cheese in advance to streamline the layering process.

Simmer while prepping: Simmer the pasta sauce and seasoning while you prepare other ingredients to multitask effectively.

Spray the crockpot: Don’t forget to spray the crockpot with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup later.

Substitute Ingredients For Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.
lean ground beef - Substitute with lentils: Lentils are a great plant-based protein that can mimic the texture of ground beef when cooked.
small onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions.
small onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and add a different texture to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in place of fresh garlic for convenience and a similar flavor.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a mild garlic flavor along with their onion-like taste.
italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs with a slightly different flavor profile.
italian seasoning - Substitute with individual dried herbs: Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to replicate Italian seasoning.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor.
high quality pasta sauce - Substitute with homemade tomato sauce: Homemade tomato sauce allows you to control the ingredients and flavor.
high quality pasta sauce - Substitute with marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is a simple and flavorful alternative to pasta sauce.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese melts well and offers a similar mild flavor.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a sharper flavor and melts nicely.
cheese & spinach filled ravioli - Substitute with cheese tortellini: Cheese tortellini offers a similar cheesy filling and pasta texture.
cheese & spinach filled ravioli - Substitute with plain cheese ravioli: Plain cheese ravioli can be used if spinach is not desired.

Presenting Your Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the lazy crockpot lasagna in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes. This not only makes it visually appealing but also allows for precise portion control.
Layer with precision: Ensure each layer of sauce, ravioli, and cheese is evenly distributed. Use a small offset spatula to smooth out each layer, creating a clean and professional look.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Top the final layer of cheese with finely chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Add a crispy element: Sprinkle a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on top of the final layer of cheese before cooking. This will create a delightful crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy layers below.
Serve with a side salad: Pair the lazy crockpot lasagna with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity of the salad will balance the richness of the lasagna.
Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for a premium pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese. The quality of these ingredients will significantly enhance the overall flavor and presentation of the dish.
Plate with elegance: Serve the lasagna on a pristine white plate to make the colors of the dish stand out. Use a ring mold to shape the lasagna into a perfect circle if serving in individual portions.
Drizzle with sauce: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of warmed pasta sauce around the plate for an elegant touch. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.
Add a touch of luxury: For an extra touch of sophistication, shave some truffle or drizzle a bit of truffle oil over the top of the lasagna just before serving. This will elevate the dish to a Michelin-star level.
Finish with a flourish: Place a small Parmesan crisp on top of each serving for a final touch of elegance and crunch. This adds a professional and gourmet finish to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

Skillet: Used to brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ground beef mixture and later the pasta sauce.
Cutting board: Essential for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Chef's knife: Used to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Measuring spoons: Needed to measure out the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6 to 7-quart crock pot: The main cooking vessel where the lasagna will be layered and cooked.
Cooking spray: Used to coat the inside of the crock pot to prevent sticking.
Ladle: Useful for layering the sauce evenly in the crock pot.
Grater: If not using pre-shredded mozzarella, this will be needed to grate the cheese.
Mixing bowl: Optional, but can be used to mix the pasta sauce with the Italian seasoning before layering.
Colander: Used to drain any excess fat from the browned ground beef mixture.

Storing and Freezing Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled lasagna to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For freezing, cut the lasagna into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This will prevent freezer burn and help maintain the quality of the dish.
Label the wrapped portions with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer. The frozen lasagna will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat from frozen, remove the desired number of portions from the freezer and place them in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, then place the lasagna in a microwave-safe dish or oven-safe baking dish.
To reheat in the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
For oven reheating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the baking dish with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

How To Reheat Leftover Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

To reheat leftover lazy crockpot lasagna, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until it's heated through.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place a single serving of the lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the lasagna moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated to your liking. Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave, as it may be hot.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat your leftover lasagna. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a single serving of lasagna on a toaster oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until it's warmed through.
For those who prefer a crispy top on their reheated lasagna, you can use the broiler setting on your oven. Place the lasagna on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Lastly, if you have a crockpot or slow cooker, you can use it to reheat your lasagna. Place the leftover lasagna in the slow cooker and cover it with the lid. Set the slow cooker to low and let it heat for 1-2 hours, or until it's warmed through. This method is perfect for reheating larger portions of lasagna.

Interesting Fact About Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

A unique aspect of this lazy crockpot lasagna recipe is that it uses cheese & spinach filled ravioli instead of traditional lasagna noodles. This not only simplifies the preparation process but also adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.

Is Making Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Cost-Effective?

This lazy crockpot lasagna recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using lean ground beef and cheese & spinach filled ravioli as the main ingredients, it provides a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese add rich flavors, making it a satisfying dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Is Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Healthy or Unhealthy?

This lazy crockpot lasagna recipe, while convenient and tasty, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

High saturated fat content from the ground beef and cheese
Excessive sodium from the pasta sauce and cheese
Limited vegetable content, with only onion and garlic present
Refined carbohydrates from the ravioli pasta

However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without compromising on flavor.

Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce saturated fat
Use low-sodium pasta sauce and reduce the amount of cheese to control sodium intake
Incorporate more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost fiber and nutrient content
Choose whole-grain or vegetable-based ravioli for a healthier carbohydrate source
Add a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal

By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting lasagna into a more well-rounded and nutritious dish that still satisfies your cravings.

Editor's Opinion on This Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe

This lazy crockpot lasagna recipe is a brilliant fusion of convenience and flavor. Using cheese and spinach-filled ravioli as a substitute for traditional lasagna noodles simplifies the process without sacrificing taste. The combination of lean ground beef, aromatic garlic, and rich pasta sauce creates a hearty base, while the layers of mozzarella add a satisfying, gooey texture. Cooking it in a crockpot ensures a hands-off approach, making it perfect for busy days. Overall, it's a clever and delicious way to enjoy lasagna with minimal effort.

Enhance Your Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Imagine dipping warm, garlic-infused breadsticks into the rich, savory layers of your lazy crockpot lasagna. The parmesan adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a perfect complement to the cheesy goodness of the main course.

Caprese Salad: Brighten up your meal with a Caprese Salad that bursts with the flavors of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze to add a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the hearty lasagna.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add a touch of green to your plate with roasted Brussels sprouts. Their crispy, caramelized edges and tender centers provide a delightful contrast to the rich, cheesy layers of the lasagna. A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of lemon zest elevate this simple side to gourmet status.

Minestrone Soup: Start your meal with a comforting bowl of Minestrone Soup. Packed with seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta, this hearty soup is a perfect prelude to the main event. The warm, savory broth sets the stage for the rich flavors of the lasagna.

Tiramisu: End on a sweet note with a classic Tiramisu. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cheese, and a dusting of cocoa powder create a decadent dessert that perfectly balances the savory richness of your lazy crockpot lasagna.

Similar Recipes to Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Imagine vibrant bell peppers filled with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce. Topped with melted cheese, these peppers are a colorful and delicious meal.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole: Creamy alfredo sauce envelops tender pieces of chicken and pasta in this comforting casserole. Baked to perfection with a golden cheese crust, it's a family favorite.

Eggplant Parmesan: Layers of breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella create a vegetarian delight. Baked until bubbly, it's a classic Italian dish that never disappoints.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, served over a bed of egg noodles. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.

Vegetable Lasagna: Layers of zucchini, spinach, and ricotta cheese, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. This vegetarian lasagna is a healthy and delicious twist on the classic.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Lazy Crockpot Lasagna

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine tender mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and finely chopped herbs. The filling is then baked to golden perfection, creating a crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the juicy mushroom base. Serve these bite-sized treats warm, and watch them disappear in no time.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. Start with slices of toasted baguette, and top them with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt bring all the flavors together. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for showcasing the freshness of your ingredients and setting the tone for a delicious meal.

Desserts:

Tiramisu: Indulge in the rich, creamy layers of Tiramisu. Imagine a delightful combination of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese, all topped with a dusting of cocoa powder. This Italian classic is perfect for those who love a balance of sweetness and bitterness. Serve it chilled for a refreshing end to your meal.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Experience the zesty and sweet flavors of Lemon Meringue Pie. Picture a buttery crust filled with a tangy lemon curd and topped with a fluffy meringue. The contrast between the tart lemon filling and the sweet meringue creates a delightful symphony of flavors. Serve it slightly chilled for a refreshing treat.

Why trust this Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe:

This lazy crockpot lasagna recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Using cheese & spinach filled ravioli simplifies the process, eliminating the need to boil noodles. The combination of lean ground beef, high quality pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese ensures a rich, flavorful dish. With minimal prep and the convenience of a crock pot, you can enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with ease. Trust this recipe for its simplicity and satisfying taste.

Share your thoughts and experiences with the Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery?

Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning it. Also, use a high-quality pasta sauce that isn't too watery. If you find the sauce is still too thin, you can simmer it a bit longer to reduce it.

Can I use a different type of ravioli?

Absolutely! You can use any type of ravioli you like. Cheese and spinach-filled ravioli are great, but feel free to experiment with other flavors like mushroom or meat-filled ravioli.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely add vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions. Just make sure to cook them a bit before adding them to the crockpot to avoid excess moisture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2-3 months. Just reheat in the microwave or oven when you're ready to eat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables or using a meat substitute. Just follow the same steps for browning and seasoning the substitute or veggies.