If you're looking for a way to enjoy a classic Italian dish without spending hours in the kitchen, Slow Cooker Lasagna is the perfect solution for your busy weeknights. With the magic of a slow cooker, you can prepare this beloved comfort food effortlessly, freeing up your time for other activities. Here's how to make an easy and delicious Slow Cooker Lasagna that will impress your family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to gather:
- Meat Layer:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sauce:
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Cheese Filling:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lasagna:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, oven-ready, or regular ones soaked briefly in hot water)
- Olive oil
Preparation Steps
Follow these steps to create your slow cooker lasagna:
1. Prepare the Meat Layer
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or sausage. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cook until softened.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Create the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar (if using), basil, and oregano. Stir well.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-10 minutes to meld the flavors.
3. Mix the Cheese Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, egg, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them if necessary to fit.
- Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Top with the meat mixture.
- Repeat the layers ending with noodles, then cover them with the remaining sauce and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
5. Cooking the Lasagna
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the noodles are tender.
🧐 Note: The cooking time might vary depending on your slow cooker. Always check the noodles for doneness before serving.
6. Final Touches
- If you like, you can sprinkle some extra cheese on top, then let it sit, covered, for 15 minutes after cooking to help the flavors settle and the cheese melt further.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for color and flavor.
To wrap up our delightful journey into the world of slow cooker lasagna, we have not only crafted a meal that's filling and comforting but also one that's easy enough for anyone to master. This method of cooking allows the flavors to deepen as they simmer slowly, resulting in a lasagna that's both tender and rich. With these steps, your weeknights will never be the same, as you bring the essence of Italian cuisine into your home with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones or to simply relax after a long day.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in a slow cooker?
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Yes, no-boil or oven-ready lasagna noodles work great in a slow cooker. Just make sure to add enough moisture to your recipe, as they need to absorb liquid to soften.
How long can I keep leftover lasagna in the fridge?
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Typically, lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure you keep it in an airtight container for the best results.
Can I freeze this lasagna before cooking?
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Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna as instructed, but instead of cooking, freeze it in the slow cooker liner or in a freezer-safe dish. You can cook it straight from frozen, adding an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
