Description
If you’re craving the cheesy goodness of lasagna but want to skip the hassle of baking, this slow cooker version is the solution. With rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and perfectly cooked no-boil noodles, this is a quick and comforting dish for busy nights. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey: 1 pound (450g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced
- Marinara sauce: 3 cups (700g)
- Ricotta cheese: 1 1/2 cups (375g)
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (200g), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50g), grated
- No-boil lasagna noodles: 9-12 sheets (depending on the size of your slow cooker)
- Salt: 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/4 tsp (or to taste)
- Optional dried herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme): 1 tsp each
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, then add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions soften. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Layer the Lasagna: In the slow cooker, spoon a layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles on top. Follow with a layer of meat mixture, a scoop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of sauce and cheese.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, until the lasagna is bubbly and the noodles are fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing, allowing the layers to set and making it easier to serve.
Notes
- Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest after cooking helps it hold together better when slicing.
- Meat Options: You can use ground beef, turkey, or sausage depending on your preference.
- Layering: Don’t overstuff the layers to prevent spilling over while cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg