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.
