Slow Cooker Lasagna

Try this Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.

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Try this Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.

Preparing Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Served Person: 10

vegetarian white meat free tree nut free nut free contains gluten red meat free shellfish free contains pasta contains dairy slow cooker pescatarian

Carbohydrate 4.76442955961733 g
Cholesterol 30.3227269180032 mg
Fat 7.89108128798337 g
Fiber 0 g
Protein 11.2943341807131 g
Saturated Fat 4.90222421058952 g
Serving Size 1 1 -12 serving (139g)
Sodium 151.623092448706 mg
Sugar 4.76442955961733 g
Trans Fat 0.415063558388897 g
Calories 136 calories

main dish

Step-by-step

Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) to a large saute pan, and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, using a large spoon to stir and break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
Remove from heat and drain off any excess grease.
Set aside. Meanwhile, as the meat is cooking, go ahead and get ready to assemble the lasagna.
Begin by spraying the insert of a large 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Then layer the ingredients in the following order: Spread 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce evenly along the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer about 4 lasagna noodles -- breaking them into smaller pieces as needed to fit -- evenly over the sauce to cover the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer about 1/3 of the ricotta cheese (a little over 1 cup) evenly on top of the noodles.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded Mozzarella cheese and 2 Tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese in an even layer on top of the ricotta.
Layer about 1/3 of the cooked ground meat in an even layer on top of the cheeses.
Layer about 1/3 of the chopped spinach in an even layer on top of the ground meat.
Layer 1 cup of pasta sauce in an even layer on top of the spinach.
Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, Mozzarella/Parmesan, ground meat, spinach, and sauce.
Then repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, Mozzarella/Parmesan, ground meat, spinach, and sauce.
Then add one more layer of noodles, sauce, and Mozzarella.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, or until the noodles are tender.
Turn off the heat, and sprinkle the top of the lasagna evenly with the remaining Parmesan and fresh basil.
Serve immediately. (Or if you let the lasagna sit and rest for 30 minutes, it will cut into pieces much more easily.)

Slow Cooker Lasagna: A Weeknight Wonder

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for anything beyond the bare essentials feels like a luxury. Yet, nourishing my family with delicious, home-cooked meals remains a non-negotiable part of my routine. That's where the magic of the slow cooker steps in. It's my secret weapon for creating comforting and flavorful dinners without sacrificing precious time.

This Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe is a perfect example of how the slow cooker can transform a classic, time-consuming dish into a weeknight marvel. The rich, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna is still there, but the laborious layering and oven-baking are simplified thanks to the slow cooker's gentle heat. I can throw the ingredients together in the morning before work, and by dinner time, a warm, satisfying meal awaits, ready to be enjoyed by my family.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat - lean ground beef, Italian sausage, or even a vegetarian substitute like lentils or mushrooms. The same goes for the cheese; I've used mozzarella and parmesan, but feel free to add other favorites like provolone or even a sprinkle of ricotta salata for a sharper bite. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, allowing you to cater it to your family's preferences and whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand.

The slow cooker does most of the work, so even on the busiest of days, I can feel confident in serving my family a healthy and delicious meal. And the cleanup? Minimal! After dinner, I simply wipe down the slow cooker, and my kitchen stays relatively tidy, leaving me more time to spend with my family, rather than stuck in the kitchen.

The flavors meld beautifully throughout the slow cooking process, creating a lasagna that is incredibly comforting and satisfying. The noodles are perfectly tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the cheese is melted to perfection. It’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones, particularly on those evenings when everyone needs a little bit of warmth and comfort.

Beyond the convenience, the slow cooker lasagna offers a sense of accomplishment. Knowing I managed to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and time is incredibly rewarding. It’s a small victory in the midst of a busy schedule, a testament to my ability to juggle the demands of work and family life while still prioritizing wholesome meals. The feeling of satisfaction from serving my family this dish is invaluable.

So, if you’re a busy working mom or anyone who wants a delicious and easy dinner recipe, I highly recommend trying this Slow Cooker Lasagna. It’s a game-changer, saving time and energy while delivering big on flavor and satisfaction. Give it a try and let me know what you think!