Description
Comforting slow cooker lasagna brings layers of cheesy, hearty goodness straight from your kitchen to the dinner table. Rich marinara, tender noodles, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 large egg
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 (24 ounces/680 grams) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) container ricotta cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces/57 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Noodles:
- 9–12 regular (uncooked) lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Transform ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until achieving a rich, caramelized texture. Eliminate excess fat carefully to maintain the meat’s robust flavor.
- Enhance the meat with marinara sauce, aromatic Italian seasoning, and freshly minced garlic. Allow the mixture to harmonize and develop depth by simmering gently.
- Create a luxurious ricotta blend by whisking together creamy ricotta, a beaten egg, delicate salt, and nutty Parmesan cheese until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Prepare the slow cooker by applying a light protective coating to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Construct the lasagna with strategic layering techniques: spread a foundational layer of meat sauce to create a moisture barrier at the bottom of the vessel.
- Strategically break lasagna noodles to create a perfect, uninterrupted base that covers the entire cooking surface.
- Generously distribute one-third of the ricotta mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage across the noodle landscape.
- Shower a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, allowing the cheese to create a tantalizing barrier between layers.
- Repeat the layering process, alternating between noodles, ricotta, meat sauce, and mozzarella until all ingredients are elegantly incorporated.
- Complete the final layer with a crowning touch of meat sauce and a lavish sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and allow the lasagna to gently simmer on LOW for 4-6 hours or expedite on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours until noodles reach perfect tenderness.
- Once cooking completes, remove from heat and let the lasagna rest momentarily, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that still provides rich flavor and reduces overall fat content.
- Swap traditional pasta noodles with zucchini strips or gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
- Rinse cooked meat thoroughly to remove extra grease, ensuring a lighter and less greasy final dish that maintains maximum flavor.
- Allow lasagna to rest completely before serving to help layers set and make cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg