Slow Cooker Sweet Italian Sausage Lasagna for Easy Weeknight Dinners Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more intense flavor, you can sauté the sausage in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker, although this is not strictly necessary. If you choose to brown the meat first, drain off any excess fat before layering it into the slow cooker. This extra step provides a deeper, roasted flavor that some prefer, but it does add to the total prep time and the number of dishes you will need to clean afterward.

If you prefer a slightly thinner sauce, you can add a quarter cup of water or beef broth to the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the other ingredients. This helps create more steam and ensures the noodles stay hydrated throughout the long cooking time. Feel free to experiment with adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley during the final melting stage to add a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Variations

• Vegetable Lasagna: Replace the sausage with two cups of diced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables briefly before adding them to the slow cooker to remove excess moisture and ensure a better texture.
• Spicy Sausage Lasagna: Use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet Italian sausage to add a kick of heat. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the layering process for extra spice.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

Allow the lasagna to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before storing. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container to keep the pasta from drying out. Properly stored, the lasagna will maintain its quality in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you are ready to eat, ensure it is heated thoroughly until piping hot throughout. Avoid storing the lasagna in the slow cooker insert, as this can make cleaning difficult and take up unnecessary space in your fridge.

You can prepare the layers in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the insert tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process as directed. Note that you may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from a chilled state, so plan accordingly for your mealtime.

Serving ideas

Serve the lasagna hot directly from the slow cooker using a large spatula or spoon. Because the lasagna is cooked in a slow cooker, it may be slightly softer than oven-baked versions, so scoop carefully to keep the layers intact.

A side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for an excellent accompaniment, helping to balance the richness of the sausage and the savory marinara sauce.

If you are serving guests, consider garnishing each plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs or a little extra grated parmesan cheese. This adds a nice visual touch and a bit of brightness to the dish.

Encourage guests to enjoy the lasagna while it is still steaming, as the melted mozzarella is at its best when freshly prepared. Keep a serving spoon in the slow cooker to allow for easy second helpings during the meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sweet Italian Sausage Lasagna for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 packet Italian seasoning blend
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Place the raw sweet Italian sausage pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them out to ensure even cooking throughout the base of the insert.
2. Scatter the broken lasagna noodles over the sausage layer, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning packet evenly over the noodles to provide consistent flavor.
3. Pour the marinara sauce over the noodles, ensuring they are fully covered. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 4 hours until the sausage reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Open the lid, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, and cover again for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

22 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

3.5 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.