Slow-Cooked Lasagna is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese are slowly cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully. This hands-off approach to making lasagna results in a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s ready to serve with minimal effort, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- In a slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer 3 uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit as needed. Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles, then add another layer of meat sauce. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the noodles are tender. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt.
- Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread.
Enjoy this Slow-Cooked Lasagna as a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
