Ree Drummond’s Slow Cooker Lasagna
When the summer sun beats down and the family is hard at work hauling hay, there’s nothing better than an easy, comforting meal waiting for them at home. Enter Ree Drummond’s Slow Cooker Lasagna, a delicious, make-ahead dinner that’s as satisfying as it is straightforward. With layers of cheesy goodness and a rich meat sauce, this dish is perfect for gathering the family around the table after a long day.
Why Slow Cooker Lasagna?
This lasagna recipe embraces the spirit of convenience. As it simmers away in the slow cooker, you can focus on the tasks at hand, knowing a hearty meal is just a few hours away. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully over time, resulting in a dish that tastes like it has been simmering all day.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- One 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup grated Romano
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Lasagna Assembly:
- Nonstick cooking spray (for the slow cooker)
- 15 uncooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups grated mozzarella
- Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, followed by the minced garlic. Cook until browned, about 7 to 9 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, and the herbs and spices (basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper). Mix well and set aside.
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Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, blend the ricotta cheese, Parmesan, Romano, fresh herbs (basil and parsley), salt, pepper, and beaten eggs until well combined.
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Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Start layering: Spoon one-quarter of the meat mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker and top with 5 lasagna noodles (you may need to break them to fit).
- Spread a third of the cheese mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with the final layer of noodles and topping it with the remaining meat mixture and 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
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Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours. When time is up, turn off the heat and let the lasagna sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
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Serve:
- Garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley and enjoy a satisfying meal that brings the whole family together!
Conclusion
Ree Drummond’s Slow Cooker Lasagna is a game-changer for busy families wanting to enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Its layers of flavor and ease of preparation make it a must-try recipe that transforms the classic lasagna into a simple, stress-free dish. Whether you’re wrangling kids, livestock, or just busy schedules, this slow cooker delight is sure to make dinner a breeze.
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Ree Drummond's Slow Cooker Lasagna | The Pioneer Woman | Food Network” was uploaded on 09/06/2026 to Youtube Channel Food Network






































I feel when someone uses a slo-cooker or crock pot, they should tell me why it's better or easier than just making a dish the regular way. DID THAT happen here??? How does an oven lasagna take FORRREVERRRR? You assemble it, keep it in the fridge till you're hungry, and an hour later you have it. I don't understand.
I like to use cottage cheese too!
Lasagna for 4hrs😬
To see the gentleman working so hard, I’m a retired professional drummer. Believe me, it’s absolutely destroyed my body. A relentless touring schedule since 1988, I can barely walk. I know that sounds crazy, but my knees, my back, my shoulders, wrists, my ears. I watch these gentlemen working so hard. Much respect. I’m 60, and now use a cane and fall often. My legs just give out. That food looks delicious
I love Ree. I want to say that up front. BUT, it hurts my frugal heart that she NEVER scrapes the bowls! There was ricotta cheese left in that bowl and I wanted to reach through the screen and scrape it. Every single time, food is left in the bowls and pans. It's not just that I grew up in poverty, I was taught by the women around me and then in Home Economics: scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula to get every drop.