Awesome Crock Pot Lasagna π
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
My family goes bonkers for my lasagna, and I figured, why not give it a whirl in the crock pot? This recipe is a winner, especially perfect for potlucks or those cozy weeknight dinners. Packed with flavors of Italian sausage, ground beef, and layers of cheesy goodness, this lasagna will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Italian sausage | 1/2 pound |
| Ground beef | 1/2 pound |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic clove | 1, minced |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry red wine | 1/2 cup |
| Tomato paste | 3 tablespoons |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Egg | 1 |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Cottage cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Parsley flakes | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 1/2 cups |
Instructions:
-
Brown Meat & Onion:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef with the chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
-
Add Flavorful Ingredients:
- To the skillet, add in the minced garlic, salt, dry red wine, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Mix everything together well. This hearty mixture is the flavorful base of your lasagna!
-
Prepare Cheese Mixture:
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley flakes. Set this luscious cheese mixture aside.
-
Prep the Crock Pot:
- Lightly spray the inside of your 5 to 6-quart crock pot with cooking oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up a breeze!
-
Layering Time:
- Start by creating layers in your crock pot:
- Place 4 lasagna noodles at the bottom, breaking them into pieces if needed to fit.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, ensuring an even layer.
- Top with 1/4 of the meat mixture from the skillet.
- Sprinkle 1/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.
- Start by creating layers in your crock pot:
-
Repeat Layers:
- Repeat the layering process:
- Add another 4 lasagna noodles.
- Spread the remaining half of the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Follow with 1/4 of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle another 1/4 of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process:
-
Final Layers:
- Finish off with the last 4 lasagna noodles.
- Pour the remaining meat mixture over the top, ensuring it covers evenly.
-
Set & Forget:
- Cover your crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Cheesy Finish:
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the lasagna. Pop the lid back on and let the cheese melt into ooey-gooey perfection.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, your Awesome Crock Pot Lasagna is ready to be devoured! π
- Let it stand for about 10 minutes before slicing into those delicious, cheesy layers.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 827.2
- Total Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 21.1g
- Cholesterol: 165.6mg
- Sodium: 1871.3mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 5.5g
- Sugar: 14.1g
- Protein: 47.8g
Recipe Notes:
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the meat and onion mixture ahead of time and freeze it until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna in the crock pot.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Feel free to add extra cheese if you’re a true cheese aficionado! More mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar can take this lasagna to the next level.
- Vegetarian Twist: For a meatless version, skip the sausage and beef, and load up on your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Now you have the perfect go-to recipe for a hearty, satisfying meal that’ll have everyone singing your praises. So grab your crock pot and get ready to cook up a storm with this Awesome Crock Pot Lasagna! π½οΈβ¨
