Crockpot lasagna is a delicious and convenient way to make this classic Italian dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
1 pound (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
9-12 lasagna noodles (no-boil or pre-cooked)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Cooking spray
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat until it’s browned and cooked through.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
Season the cheese mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Assemble the Lasagna in the Crockpot:
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Begin by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit if necessary.
Add a layer of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Cook the Lasagna:
Cover the crockpot with its lid.
Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the noodles are tender and the lasagna is heated through.
During the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna.
Serve:
Once the lasagna is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn off the crockpot.
Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set up.
Serve your delicious Crockpot Lasagna with a side salad and enjoy!
This Crockpot lasagna recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting, homemade meal without a lot of fuss.