How to make Crockpot Lasagna
Crockpot Lasagna is juicy, cheesy, beefy, and tastes just as good as a Classic Lasagna, but easier!
There is no need to pre-cook noodles, you just add them raw and they cook up perfectly tender in the slow cooker. This is also a make-ahead lasagna that can be assembled a day ahead for convenient meals (hello Sunday lunch).
Ingredients
1 pound of ground beef
Lasagna noodles
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Brown ground beef and drain.
Pour 1 cup of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
Toss remaining sauce with beef.
Place 2 uncooked lasagnas on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.
Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the noodles.
Spread 3/4 cup of cottage cheese over the meat.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese.
Add another layer of uncooked noodles, 1/3 of the meat mixture, remaining cottage cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
Add another layer of uncooked noodles, the meat mixture and the mozzarella cheese.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Cook over low heat for 4 hours.
If the cooking time is longer, the cheese is a little better cooked.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1 (assuming a standard 4-quart slow cooker)
Calories: 400 | Total Fat: 20 grams | Saturated Fat: around 10 grams | Cholesterol: around 60 milligrams | Sodium: 600 milligrams | Carbohydrates: 30 grams | Fiber: 3 grams | Sugar: 5 grams | Protein: 25 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute as a substitute for ground beef.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, you can customize the cheeses based on your preferences.
Ricotta cheese or a blend of different cheeses can be used instead of cottage cheese, and you can experiment with different types of melting cheeses for the mozzarella.
Can I add vegetables to the lasagna?
Definitely! If you want to incorporate vegetables into the lasagna, you can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini between the layers.
Simply sauté them before assembling the lasagna.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you prefer or have dietary restrictions. Just make sure to check the cooking instructions for the specific brand you choose, as the cooking time may vary.
Can I double the recipe for a larger slow cooker?
Absolutely! If you have a larger slow cooker, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd.
Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and ensure that the slow cooker is not filled beyond its recommended capacity for safe and even cooking.
Can I cook the lasagna for longer than 4 hours?
Yes, you can cook the lasagna for longer if needed. Slow cookers vary in temperature, so if you find that the noodles need more time to cook or the flavors to meld, you can extend the cooking time by an hour or so.
Just keep an eye on the lasagna to prevent it from becoming overcooked or drying out.