A simple, hearty, and comforting lasagna made easy with your slow cooker! This recipe simplifies the traditional lasagna process, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and no-boil noodles cook to perfection while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 package (9 oz) oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the pasta sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange a layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit snugly. Spread a portion of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
Step 5: Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process – meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture – until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce on top.
Step 6: Add Water: Pour 2 cups of water around the edges of the slow cooker. This helps the noodles cook evenly and prevents them from drying out.
Step 7: Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
Step 8: Melt the Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the lasagna. Cover and let it melt until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy: The slow cooker does most of the work!
- Flavorful: Hearty meat sauce and creamy cheese filling create a classic lasagna taste.
- Convenient: Perfect for busy weeknights – assemble it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal.
- Comforting: A warm and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.
- No-Boil Noodles: Using oven-ready noodles simplifies the process and saves time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the lasagna, or the noodles may become mushy.
- If you prefer a saucier lasagna, add a little more tomato sauce or water.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- To prevent sticking, you can spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray before adding the ingredients.
- Make sure the noodles are completely covered in sauce to ensure they cook properly.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes – 5 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (estimated per serving):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 700-900mg
Conclusion:
This easy slow cooker lasagna recipe is a winner for anyone looking for a delicious, hassle-free meal. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a classic lasagna that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The slow cooker method ensures tender noodles, flavorful sauce, and a bubbly, cheesy topping every time.
Q&A:
- Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready noodles?
- It’s not recommended. Regular lasagna noodles need to be boiled beforehand, which defeats the purpose of a simple slow cooker recipe. Oven-ready noodles are designed to cook in the sauce. If you must use regular noodles, parboil them very briefly (a few minutes) to soften them slightly.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and onions. You may want to add a can of drained and rinsed lentils or beans for added protein.
- Can I add more cheese?
- Of course! Feel free to add extra mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of ricotta on top before the final melting stage.
- My slow cooker tends to cook hot. Can I adjust the cooking time?
- Yes, definitely. Start checking the lasagna around 3.5-4 hours. The noodles should be tender and easily pierced with a fork. If they’re still firm, continue cooking, checking every 30 minutes.
- Can I assemble this lasagna the night before?
- Yes, assembling the lasagna the night before is a great time-saver. Just make sure to refrigerate it promptly and add about 30 minutes to the cooking time.
