Crock Pot Lasagna
If youโre craving a hearty, cheesy meal that practically cooks itself, this Crock Pot Lasagna is the perfect choice. With a blend of rich meats, gooey cheeses, and flavorful layers, itโs a comforting dish that will fill your home with a delicious aroma. Prepare to enjoy a classic lasagna with minimal effort thanks to your trusty slow cooker. ๐
Ingredients:
- 8 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 15 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/3 cup Italian seasoning
Instructions:
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Break the Lasagna Noodles: Start by breaking the uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller pieces. These donโt need to be uniform; the broken pieces will fit nicely into the slow cooker.
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Prepare the Ground Beef: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the Italian seasoning, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
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Assemble the Lasagna Layers:
- Layer the Noodles: Place half of the broken lasagna noodles in the bottom of a greased slow cooker.
- Add the Beef: Spread half of the cooked, seasoned ground beef over the noodles.
- Layer the Sauce and Cheese: Pour half of the marinara sauce over the beef. If using mushrooms, sprinkle half of them on top of the sauce. Add dollops of ricotta cheese and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
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Repeat the Layers:
- Place the remaining noodles over the cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining beef over the noodles.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce.
- Add the remaining mushrooms, if using.
- Dollop with the remaining ricotta cheese and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
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Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours. The noodles will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooking time is complete, carefully uncover the slow cooker. Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit, making it easier to cut into portions.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 623.5
- Fat Content: 33.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16g
- Cholesterol Content: 118.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1022.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.2g
- Fiber Content: 1.7g
- Sugar Content: 13.9g
- Protein Content: 37.9g
This slow-cooked lasagna is perfect for a busy day when you want a comforting meal ready when you walk in the door. Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete, satisfying dinner. Enjoy your homemade, hearty lasagna, and relish the compliments from family and friends! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ง
