Crockpot Lasagna
Looking for a delicious and easy dinner recipe to try out this week? Look no further than this comforting and flavorful Crockpot Lasagna! Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without all the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (12 ounce) package lasagna noodles
- 12 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, and oregano; stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon a layer of the meat mixture onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a double layer of the uncooked lasagna noodles. Break to fit noodles into slow cooker. Top noodles with a portion of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layering of sauce, noodles, and cheese until all the ingredients are used.
- Cover, and cook on Low setting for 4 to 6 hours.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 450, Total Fat: 20g, Cholesterol: 90mg, Sodium: 800mg, Total Carbohydrates: 36g, Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 8g, Protein: 30g
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
- Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey as a healthier alternative to ground beef.
A: Yes, fresh herbs can be used, but you may need to adjust the quantity as they are more potent than dried herbs.
A: Yes, you can omit the ground beef and add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
Helpful tips:
- Try adding a layer of spinach or kale between the cheese and meat mixture for added nutrients.
- Experiment with different types of cheese such as provolone or cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
Expert Secrets:
- Cooking the ground beef with onions and garlic enhances the flavor of the meat sauce.
- Pre-cooking the lasagna noodles can prevent them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Layering the ingredients evenly ensures even distribution of flavors throughout the lasagna.