Crockpot Lasagna

Introduction

Crockpot Lasagna is a convenient and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and flavorful seasonings, this slow cooker version of lasagna is a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you crave a comforting meal without all the fuss.

Why Make This Recipe

Making lasagna in a crockpot saves time and effort compared to traditional oven-baked lasagna. With simple ingredients and minimal hands-on cooking, you can enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with all the flavors of a classic lasagna.

How to Make Crockpot Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 sweet onion (minced)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
• 24 ounces marinara
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Cook ground beef, onion, and 3 cloves of garlic in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease, then add marinara, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and water. Stir well.
2. Spray slow cooker with non-stick spray.
3. Layer ¼ of the meat sauce in the slow cooker.
4. Add a third of the noodles, breaking them to cover the area.
5. Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and remaining garlic in a bowl.
6. Spoon a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers twice, ending with meat sauce.
7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
8. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.

How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna

Serve hot slices of crockpot lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for an extra pop of color and flavor.

How to Store Crockpot Lasagna

Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, cut into portion sizes and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Crockpot Lasagna

• Break the lasagna noodles to fit the slow cooker evenly.
• Layer the ingredients as evenly as possible for consistent cooking.
• Check the lasagna towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the noodles are tender.

Variation

For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add layers of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also experiment with different cheese blends or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

FAQs

1. Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles in this recipe? No, oven-ready noodles may become too mushy in the slow cooker. Stick to regular lasagna noodles.
2. Can I substitute cottage cheese for ricotta in this recipe? Yes, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta with a similar creamy texture.
3. Can I add more vegetables to the meat sauce? Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.