Slow Cooker Cheesy Lasagna Pasta

🍝✨ Craving lasagna but not the hassle? This Slow Cooker Cheesy Lasagna Pasta is your cozy weeknight hero! 🧀❤️ Packed with savory meat, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it gives you all the lasagna vibes—no layering required! Just toss it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. 🔥🍅

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce

• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (like rotini or penne)

• 1 cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

2. Add to slow cooker: Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.

3. Add pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce.

4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until pasta is tender. Stir once halfway through if you can.

5. Make it cheesy: About 10 minutes before serving, stir in cottage cheese (or ricotta) and 1 cup of mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Cover until cheese is melted.

6. Serve & enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like!

Note:
You can swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for a twist! Feel free to add a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, stir in a splash of warm water or extra sauce before serving. 🍝