Crockpot Lasagna
Crockpot lasagna is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of pasta, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The flavors in this dish meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
- With minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and wholesome dinner ready in no time.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Ingredient Notes:
- Ground beef: Adds a meaty and savory flavor to the dish.
- Marinara sauce: Provides the base for the delicious sauce.
- Lasagna noodles, uncooked: Absorb the flavors and cook perfectly in the crockpot.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant touch to the finished lasagna.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
- In a bowl, mix together marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and cooked ground beef.
- In the crockpot, layer marinara mixture, uncooked lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- To enhance the flavor, add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- For a vegetarian option, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delicious crockpot lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, let the lasagna cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of uncooked ones?
- Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I freeze this crockpot lasagna?
- Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Can I cook this on high instead of low in the crockpot?
- It’s best to cook it on low for even cooking and to prevent burning.
Conclusion:
Crockpot lasagna is a delicious and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a comforting and satisfying dinner with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your feedback and variations of this recipe!
PrintCrockpot Lasagna
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins – 6 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of uncooked lasagna noodles, seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, and three types of cheese come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the ingredients: In a crockpot, spread a layer of marinara sauce followed by a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. Add a layer of ground beef, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can add additional vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the layers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg