cheesy Lasagna

Lasagna is a comforting dish that many families love. With the help of a slow cooker, you can make a super thick and cheesy lasagna with little effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

This slow cooker lasagna is an easy recipe to follow, and it saves you time. You can set it up and leave it to cook while you do other things. Plus, it’s packed with cheese and flavor, making it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any fat.
2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. In the slow cooker, spread a little marinara sauce on the bottom.
4. Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top, breaking them if needed to fit.
5. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat the layers once more: noodles, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
7. Top with the last 3 noodles, the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
8. Cook in the slow cooker on low for about 4-6 hours, until hot and bubbly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna

Serve the lasagna hot, straight from the slow cooker. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. It goes well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

How to Store Slow Cooker Lasagna

Once the lasagna is cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers. Just make sure it cools down before you freeze it in a safe container or freezer bag.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Make sure to break the lasagna noodles if they don’t fit perfectly in your slow cooker.
• If you want a cheesier lasagna, feel free to add more mozzarella cheese.
• Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before serving so it holds its shape better.

Variation (If Any)

You can use different types of meat, like ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat and add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms instead.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work well in this recipe. Just layer them as directed, and they will cook in the sauce.

How long should I cook on high instead of low?
If you're short on time, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just turn on the slow cooker when you’re ready to meal prep.