Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

Introduction

Love lasagna but hate the hassle of layering and baking it in the oven? Slow Cooker Lasagna is the answer! This recipe takes the beloved classic Italian dish and makes it even easier by using a slow cooker. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking process, you can have a delicious, cheesy lasagna ready without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you want comfort food with less effort. The layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese cook together beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Lasagna:

• 9 lasagna noodles (uncooked, regular noodles)
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
2. Set the cheese filling aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or olive oil.
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Place 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce (you may need to break them to fit).
4. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by 1/3 of the meat sauce, and sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
5. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella.
6. For the final layer, top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Lasagna

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. If you want a crispy top, you can uncover the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once the lasagna is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
3. Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna

Don’t Cook the Noodles

There’s no need to boil the lasagna noodles beforehand. The moisture from the sauce and slow cooking will soften them perfectly.

Use Oven-Ready Noodles

If you want to skip traditional lasagna noodles, you can use oven-ready noodles, which will cook faster in the slow cooker.

Customize the Fillings

Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap the ground beef for ground sausage or turkey.

Make Ahead for Convenience

Assemble the lasagna in the slow cooker the night before and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, simply turn on the slow cooker and let it cook!

Variations

Vegetarian Slow Cooker Lasagna

Skip the meat and add layers of vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also use a marinara sauce without meat for a completely vegetarian dish.

Gluten-Free Lasagna

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles, and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Spicy Lasagna

For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lasagna is the ultimate time-saving version of a classic Italian favorite. With its simple assembly and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or hosting friends, this lasagna is sure to impress. Customize it to your taste, make it ahead, and enjoy layers of flavorful goodness with minimal effort!