Slow Cooker Lasagna – This Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe is a perfect comfort food dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your family. With layers of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a mix of cheeses, this lasagna has a rich flavor that will make your mouth water. The best part? It is effortless to prepare, thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker. Read on to discover why this classic recipe is a staple in many households!
I have been making this Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe for years, and it has become a favorite in my household. Whenever my husband or kids come home, and the aroma of the lasagna fills the air, they get so excited! It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and there are never any leftovers. I remember one time when I made this for a potluck, and it was the first dish to be finished. Everyone was asking me for the recipe, and I felt proud to say that it was my creation.
Why This Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe Is a Must-Try?
- This recipe is effortless to make, thanks to the convenience of the slow cooker. You can prepare the meat sauce in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
- The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a mix of cheeses gives this lasagna a rich and satisfying flavor that will impress your taste buds.
- The recipe calls for pantry staples such as tomato sauce, tomato paste, and spices, making it a budget-friendly option.
- The lasagna noodles are layered uncooked, which saves you time and effort.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (227g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (227g) ground Italian sausage (I use hot)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large onion, chopped*
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounce (170g) can tomato paste
- 29 ounces (822g) tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups (296ml) water
- 8 ounces (227g) lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups (452g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (339g) cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (45g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion.
Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and water. Stir and simmer for 15-20 minutes. (You could make the sauce in advance!)
Spread a fourth of the meat sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over the sauce (break the noodles to fit, if necessary).
Combine the mozzarella, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice.
Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese, if desired.
Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.
Notes:
- You can substitute the ground beef and Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in the oven. Layer the ingredients in a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Lasagna is a perfect meal for anyone who loves lasagna but doesn’t have the time or energy to make it from scratch. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal waiting for you when you get home. The combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and a variety of flavorful spices creates a mouth-watering meat sauce that perfectly complements the tender noodles and gooey cheese. The best part is that you can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of making lasagna in your slow cooker!
FAQ
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular ones. Just make sure to add a little more water to the sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly.
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese if you prefer. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still taste great.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze leftover lasagna for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound 227g ground beef
- 1/2 pound 227g ground Italian sausage (I use hot)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large onion chopped*
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons dried parsley flakes
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounce 170g can tomato paste
- 29 ounces 822g tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups 296ml water
- 8 ounces 227g lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups 452g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups 339g cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup 45g freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, Italian sausage, and onion.
- Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and water. Stir and simmer for 15-20 minutes. (You could make the sauce in advance!)
- Spread a fourth of the meat sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a third of the noodles over the sauce (break the noodles to fit, if necessary).
- Combine the mozzarella, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese, if desired.
- Cover and cook on low for about 4-5 hours or until noodles are tender.
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