Cheesy Crockpot Lasagna 🧀🍅
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Crockpot Lasagna! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe offers a convenient twist on the classic lasagna dish. With layers of tender noodles, savory meats, creamy cheeses, and zesty seasonings, each bite is a delightful burst of Italian-inspired goodness. Plus, you can easily customize it to your taste preferences by incorporating your favorite ingredients such as pepperoni, tomatoes, or Alfredo sauce. Let your creativity shine as you experiment with different flavors and textures in this hearty and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup diced onion
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 ounces pasta sauce
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Crockpot: Start by greasing the bottom of your crockpot to prevent sticking.
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Layer the Noodles: Arrange the broken lasagna noodles in an even layer at the bottom of the greased crockpot.
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Season the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and crumbled. Stir in the dried oregano to infuse the meat with flavorful herbiness.
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Layer the Meat: Once the meat is cooked, spoon it over the layer of lasagna noodles in the crockpot, ensuring an even distribution.
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Add the Onions: Sprinkle the diced onions over the meat layer, adding a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth to the dish.
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Layer with Cheeses: Dot the meat and onion layer with dollops of ricotta cheese, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella cheese. This creates a creamy and cheesy foundation for your lasagna.
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Introduce the Sauce: Pour half of the pasta sauce evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring that every corner is covered with rich tomato goodness.
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Moisten with Water: Carefully pour the water over the sauce layer, allowing it to seep through and moisten the ingredients for a tender and juicy lasagna.
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Optional Mushroom Layer: If using mushrooms, distribute half of the sliced mushrooms over the sauce and water layer, adding earthy flavor and textural contrast to the dish.
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Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining lasagna noodles, seasoned meat, onions, cheeses, pasta sauce, water, and mushrooms (if desired), creating a delicious symphony of flavors and textures.
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Cover and Cook: Once all layers are assembled, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 5 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring tender noodles and melted cheeses.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and marvel at the bubbling, cheesy goodness of your crockpot lasagna. Serve it hot, portioned into hearty servings, and savor each mouthful of this irresistible comfort food.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 464.6
- Fat: 24.8g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 88.9mg
- Sodium: 765.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 10.2g
- Protein: 28g
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or planning a potluck feast, this Cheesy Crockpot Lasagna is sure to impress with its rich flavors and gooey cheese layers. So gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a homemade lasagna experience like no other!
