lasagna slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best lasagna slow cooker recipe

I’m so excited to share this lasagna slow cooker recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort from me, which is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

The slow cooker does all the work while I’m busy with other tasks, and when I come back to it, I’ve got a delicious, hot meal ready to go. Plus, this recipe is packed with nutrients and can be easily adapted to suit dietary needs and preferences. Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.

It’s made with layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese. When cooked in a slow cooker, the pasta absorbs all the flavors of the sauce and cheese, creating a tender and flavorful final product. My kids love helping me assemble the lasagna layers, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can customize it to suit your tastes by using different types of meat or vegetables. For example, you can add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to give it an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

I also like to use low-fat ground beef or turkey sausage to make it a bit healthier. The key to making this recipe work is using high-quality ingredients and taking your time when assembling the layers. Don’t rush through it – take your time to spread the sauce evenly and layer the cheese perfectly.

It may seem like a lot of effort upfront, but trust me when I say that the payoff is worth it.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

4.8 from 1299 votes

A hearty and comforting lasagna made easy in the slow cooker. Layers of pasta, cheese and sauce come together for a perfect family meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Filling

1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For Assembly

9 lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2Drain excess fat.
3Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
4Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
5Simmer for 5 minutes.
6In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 3 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley.
Mix well.
7Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
8Arrange a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of cheese mixture, and then a layer of meat sauce.
9Repeat layers twice more, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
10Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
11After 4 hours, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
12Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
13Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
14This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Skillet
Mixing bowl
Lasagna noodles

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: For easier cutting, use a knife to score the lasagna into squares before serving. You can also make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze before cooking.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Lasagna Works

This lasagna slow cooker recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a show-stopping main course for a special gathering.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.

When reheating leftovers, simply place them in a baking dish covered with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Lasagna

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this lasagna slow cooker recipe, I recommend using wide egg noodles or lasagna noodles made from durum wheat semolina.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes, you can definitely substitute ground turkey or pork for beef in this recipe.

Q: How long does the lasagna take to cook in a slow cooker?

The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker model, but typically it takes 3-4 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat.

Q: Can I add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the lasagna?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like – just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you add extra ingredients.

Q: How do I reheat leftover lasagna?

To reheat leftover lasagna, place it in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

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