Crockpot Lasagna Delight
As delicious as it is effortless, this Crockpot lasagna recipe ticks all the boxes! Leverage the power of slow cooking to turn a family favorite into a dish you can prep quickly, set and forget.
Why Make This Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, lasagna always ranks among the top. Here, we elevate it to a new level of convenience by letting the slow cooker do the hard work. So, swap the hours spent in the traditional oven for a hands-off approach, perfect for busy days.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 24 oz marinara sauce
– 15 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 large egg
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Start by sautΓ©ing the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a skillet until properly browned.
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce before allowing it to simmer briefly.
3. Next, prepare the cheese mixture by combining the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella.
4. Layer your Crockpot starting with the meat sauce, followed by the lasagna noodles β broken to fit if necessary.
5. Then, add the ricotta mixture and another layer of meat sauce. Continue layering until the ingredients are exhausted.
6. Top the final layer with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the Crockpot and cook on low for about 4 to 5 hours.
8. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna
Pair this comforting lasagna with a side of fresh, crisp salad to balance the dish. Donβt forget a slice of garlic bread for dipping!
How to Store Crockpot Lasagna
Keep the leftovers fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Wrap in foil or store in a sealed container.
Tips to Make this Recipe
– Avoid heavy base sauces as they can make your lasagna soggy.
– Opt for whole milk ricotta for a richer flavor.
– If you want a little spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes into the beef mixture.
Variation
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ground beef with finely chopped veggies like sweet peppers, zucchini, and spinach.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use low-fat cheese in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just note that fuller fat cheeses usually melt better.
Q2: Can I use whole grain lasagna noodles?
A: Sure, whole grain noodles work just as well as traditional ones.
Q3: Can I add more layers?
A: Yes, but make sure not to overfill your Crockpot to avoid overflow during the cooking process.
Enjoy this hearty dish, proving once more that good things come to those who wait! Thanks to your Crockpot, you can reap the benefits of delicious slow-cooked lasagna with less effort. Happy cooking!