Crockpot Almost Lasagna (Easy Slow Cooker Pasta Bake)

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Craving lasagna but short on time? This crockpot “almost lasagna” gives you all the cozy, cheesy flavor without layering a single noodle. Toss rotini with meat sauce, spread a creamy ricotta layer in the middle, top with mozzarella and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s a big batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or a busy week.

Tips

• Undercook the pasta slightly. It keeps cooking in the slow cooker, so a minute or two short keeps it from getting mushy.
• Grease the crock well or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• Use half beef, half sausage for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook. Start checking at 4 hours on low.

Mandie

Crockpot Almost Lasagna

Rotini tossed with meat sauce, layered with seasoned ricotta and mozzarella, and slow-cooked until bubbly.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta layer

• 1 lb rotini or ziti
• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 (24 oz) jars pasta sauce
• 1 egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided (one 16-oz bag total)

Ricotta layer

• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• salt and pepper

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Method

 

1. Grease a 6-quart slow cooker. Cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package says. Drain and toss with the olive oil.
2. Brown the beef and sausage until no longer pink. Drain. Stir the pasta sauce into the pasta, then stir in the meat, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs and 2 cups mozzarella.
3. In another bowl, beat the ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper.
4. Spread half the pasta mixture in the slow cooker. Spread all of the ricotta mixture on top, then the rest of the pasta.
5. Top with the remaining mozzarella. Cover and cook on low 4 to 6 hours, until hot in the center (165°F).

Notes

Feeds a crowd. Leftovers freeze well.

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FAQ

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini or spinach.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

What size slow cooker do I need?

A 6-quart slow cooker.

You might also like:

• Easy Lasagna Roll-Ups
• Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli