Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering, cheesy lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen - sounds too good to be true? This Frugal Friday Vegetarian Crockpot Lasagna is your ticket to an effortless, delicious meal that will have your family begging for seconds! With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that proves healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping the spinach into fine pieces. Ensure all cheeses are measured and ready.
- Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Begin layering by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary, covering the bottom of the crockpot.
- Spread a portion of ricotta cheese over the noodles, followed by chopped spinach, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour marinara sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring even coverage and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, creating three complete layers of noodles, cheese, spinach, and sauce.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the noodles to become tender.
- After cooking, let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes to set before serving, which helps maintain its structure when plating.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- No need to pre-cook noodles! Using uncooked lasagna noodles directly in the crockpot saves time and reduces dishes.
- Layer strategically: Start and end with sauce to prevent noodles from drying out and ensure even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to your ricotta cheese mixture.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and nutritional value. If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Don't rush the resting time after cooking - those 15-20 minutes help the lasagna set and make serving much easier.
- If you want a golden top, briefly broil the lasagna in the oven for 2-3 minutes after crockpot cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 266kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 53mg
