Farmhouse Crock Pot Lasagna

ByJennifer Osterholt UpdatedMay 2, 2026

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Making lasagna in the crock pot is a super easy, stress free way to enjoy a classic meal and our recipe is perfect for busy schedules.

Side view of a plate of cheesy and meaty lasagna with tender noodles in a generous sauce with a fork in the background on a red and white plaid napkin.

Jennifer, author of Plowing Through Life, smiling in kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Our Crock Pot Lasagna Recipe

One of the time saver recipes in our box that we rotate through regularly, this lasagna recipe is a winner.

I made lunch for 20 people and tested two different batches. One batch used broken lasagna noodles (takes 1/2 cup more tomato juice and 20 – 30 minutes longer to cook) and radiatore pasta that was the closest option to mini lasagna noodles. The crowd was split on the type of noodle that was preferred.

I also tested one batch with Italian sausage and one with ground beef. Sausage was the winner for more flavor from the spices. Beef is a more mild, typical meat to include in pasta. The vote was close, but did lean slightly towards using full flavor pork sausage instead of beef.

What I Love:

No layering or assembly needed and you still get the classic lasagna flavor that you expect.
A great family dinner that everyone enjoys.
Leftovers reheat and freeze well.
Perfect for carry-ins and luncheons where you want to feed a bigger group.

Slow Cooker Lazy Lasagna

Tender pasta covered in an easy homemade meat sauce and covered with cheese makes an easy crock pot meal that my family craves. Some call it Lazy Crock Pot Lasagna because there is very little effort required to be successful.

Inspired by our Farmhouse Crock Pot Spaghetti, we knew creating a crock pot lasagna recipe should be next on our list! Both recipes are similar in that tomato juice, pasta sauce and spices simmer on low with hamburger or sausage.

Pasta, cheese and sauce is exactly what my kids crave and the mini lasagna noodles (pictured below) in this recipe are fun to eat! They love Spaghetti Pizza Casserole and I love this lazy crock pot lasagna because it’s similar, but takes much less time to prepare since you start with uncooked noodles.

Here is a list of some of our other Easy Dinner Ideas for Kids with quick and easy meals the whole family can enjoy!

Ingredients Needed and Substitutions

Lasagna Noodles – broken pieces of regular lasagna noodles are what most people expect. Mini lasagna noodles are my favorite, but they can be hard to find.
Tomato Juice – I like to keep extra on hand in case the lasagna casserole dries out, a splash of juice or sauce can really help.
Ground Meat – There’s a slight preference towards Italian sausage in my circles, but ground beef is popular too.
Pasta Sauce
Onion – granulated onion works fine to save time.
Seasonings – Minced garlic, dry mustard, salt and pepper.
Mozzarella Cheese – Cheddar or Colby Jack can be substituted in a pinch.

Ingredients to make crock pot lasagna are mozzarella cheese, garlic, tomato juice, lasagna noodles, pasta sauce, ground beef, salt, pepper, dry mustard and onion on a wooden table.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna

Cook and drain a pound of ground meat. The onion can be softened in the skillet with the meat or after the meat is done cooking.

Coat a large crock with non-stick cooking spray. Add pasta sauce, tomato juice, salt, pepper, garlic and dry mustard.

Pour meat and onion into the sauce and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 hours.

Cooked Italian sausage added to a crock pot with sauce and tomato juice with seasonings in a crock pot.

Broken lasagna noodles added to a crock pot with sauce and tomato juice.

Add 12 ounces of mini lasagna noodles or a box of broken pieces of regular lasagna noodles. Break into pieces that are easy to fit on a fork or spoon to easily enjoy.

Stir in 2 cups of cheese. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes or until the noodles are tender.

Lasagna noodle pieces stirred into a meat sauce in a black crock pot.

Mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top of a slow cooker lasagna recipe in a black crock.

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover for about 5 minutes to allow it to melt. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving spoon lifting up a delicious serving of noodles, meat, sauce and cheese out of a crockpot.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Add your favorite spices to the simmering sauce.
Chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can be added to the sauce.
When we have time to make a batch of Homemade Instant Pot Pasta Sauce it tastes great in this recipe!
Pictured below is radiatore pasta which is the most similar shape to mini lasagna or lazy lasagna that we could in our local grocery store.
Can stir in 1 cup of cottage cheese or ricotta cheese for the last 10 to 15 minutes. Cover and cook on low until until the cheese is warmed through.

Spoon scooping up warm lazy lasagna coated with mozzarella cheese in a crockpot.

Other Easy Crock Pot Meals:

Originally published on April 27, 2020 with pictures and notes updated on May 1, 2026.

Categories:

Beef, Main Dish, Pasta, Pork, Recipes, Slow Cooker,

Jennifer Osterholt

I share how to make life easier while raising a busy family! From delicious desserts to easy dinners and simple breakfast recipes. I’m here to make your time in the kitchen more efficient while building confidence!