Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to the irresistible aroma of a perfectly layered, cheesy lasagna - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna is about to revolutionize your dinner routine, transforming a traditionally complex dish into a simple, hands-off meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own home. Get ready to become the dinner hero with this foolproof recipe that combines convenience, comfort, and pure deliciousness.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and set aside.
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to create a base.
- Layer ingredients in the following order: lasagna noodles (break to fit if needed), browned ground beef, ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering process 2-3 times, ensuring the top layer is covered with sauce and cheese.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese on the top layer for additional flavor.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours, or until noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once cooking is complete, let lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- No Need to Pre-Cook Noodles: Use regular lasagna noodles directly in the slow cooker - they'll cook perfectly during the process.
- Layer Strategically: Ensure even distribution of ingredients for the best flavor in every bite.
- Don't Overfill: Leave a little space at the top of your slow cooker to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.
- Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from browned ground beef to keep your lasagna from becoming greasy.
- Let it Rest: The 15-20 minute resting period is crucial for allowing the lasagna to set and making it easier to serve.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to use homemade marinara or experiment with different sauce varieties for unique flavor profiles.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheese when possible for better melting and more authentic taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
