A cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth meal without the guilt!
Welcome to the world of slow cooking, where delicious meals practically make themselves. In this article, we’ll explore the wonderful realm of slow cooker lasagna and all the benefits it brings to your kitchen. Get ready to indulge in layers of mouthwatering flavors and enjoy the convenience of a set-it-and-forget-it cooking method.
Why Slow Cookers Are A Must-Have!
A slow cooker is a must-have kitchen appliance that can revolutionize your cooking experience. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider adding a slow cooker to your culinary arsenal:
- Time and Convenience: The slow cooker is a time-saving kitchen companion. With its set-it-and-forget-it functionality, you can effortlessly prepare meals without constantly monitoring the stove. Simply add your ingredients, set the desired cooking time and temperature, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Whether you have a busy schedule or simply want to spend less time in the kitchen, the slow cooker allows you to achieve delicious, home-cooked meals with minimal effort.
- Enhanced Flavor and Tenderness: Slow cooking allows flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in incredibly rich and flavorful dishes. The long, gentle cooking process helps tenderize even the toughest cuts of meat, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture and succulent flavors. When it comes to lasagna, the slow cooker ensures that all the flavors from the sauce, meat, and cheeses infuse together, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting dish.
- Versatility: Slow cookers are incredibly versatile and can handle a wide range of recipes. From soups and stews to roasts and desserts, the slow cooker can do it all. It’s particularly well-suited for dishes that benefit from slow, steady cooking, such as lasagna. The even heat distribution and low cooking temperatures allow the ingredients to cook slowly, resulting in a lasagna with perfectly cooked noodles, tender meat, and well-incorporated flavors.
Slow Cooker Tips
- Prep in Advance: To make your slow cooker experience even more convenient, consider prepping your ingredients the night before. Chop vegetables, measure spices, and assemble any required sauces or marinades. In the morning, simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker, and you’ll be greeted with enticing aromas and a head start on dinner.
- Layering Technique: Layering ingredients in the slow cooker can make a difference in the final result. Start by adding a thin layer of sauce to the bottom to prevent sticking. Then, alternate layers of noodles, sauce, meat, and cheese, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed. This layering technique helps achieve a well-balanced and cohesive lasagna.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: It’s tempting to check on the progress of your slow cooker lasagna by lifting the lid. However, doing so can disrupt the cooking process and increase the cooking time. Each time the lid is lifted, heat escapes, and it takes time for the slow cooker to regain its desired temperature. Trust the process and resist the urge to peek until the recommended cooking time has elapsed.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chili: A hearty and comforting classic, slow cooker chili is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Simply combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker, let it simmer all day, and you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously thick and flavorful chili.
- 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork for Two: Tender and succulent pulled pork is effortless to achieve with only 5 ingredients in the slow cooker. It’s a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork that can be used in sandwiches, tacos, or served alongside your favorite sides.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Curry: Explore the world of flavors with a slow cooker chicken curry. Combine chicken, aromatic spices, vegetables, and coconut milk in the slow cooker for a fragrant and deeply flavored curry. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a satisfying and delicious meal.
Lasagna Key Ingredients
To create a mouthwatering slow cooker lasagna, it’s essential to pay attention to the key ingredients that make this classic Italian dish so irresistible. Here’s a closer look at the essential components:
Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef. It offers a lighter texture and flavor while still providing ample protein. Turkey is also lower in saturated fat, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their overall fat intake without sacrificing taste.
Whole Wheat Lasagna Sheets
Opting for whole wheat lasagna sheets adds a nutritional boost to your dish. Whole wheat pasta contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to traditional refined pasta. It also has a slightly nuttier flavor and a satisfying chewy texture.
Pasta Sauce
The choice of pasta sauce greatly influences the overall taste of your lasagna. Look for a high-quality sauce with rich tomato flavor and balanced seasoning. You can use a store-bought marinara sauce or, for a homemade touch, prepare your own with a recipe like this Homemade Pasta Sauce.
Cheeses
The trio of cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates the classic cheesy goodness in lasagna. Cottage cheese adds a creamy and tangy element, while Parmesan brings a rich, umami flavor. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a stringy, gooey layer that binds everything together.
Customization Options
Want to switch it up? Customize this slow cooker recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences!
Add Protein
Take your slow cooker lasagna to the next level by incorporating additional protein sources.
- Consider adding Italian sausage for a burst of flavor and richness.
- Alternatively, you can mix ground beef with ground turkey for a meatier texture.
- If you prefer a plant-based option, try adding cooked lentils or crumbled tofu as a protein-packed substitute.
Add More Veggies
Boost the nutritional value of your slow cooker lasagna by incorporating an array of colorful vegetables.
- Sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms can add depth of flavor and a delightful texture to each layer.
- Zucchini or eggplant slices can be used in place of traditional lasagna sheets for a low-carb twist.
- Spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can provide a vibrant and nutrient-packed addition.
Change the Flavor
Experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create a unique twist on your slow cooker lasagna.
- Add a kick of heat by sprinkling crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños between the layers. Incorporate Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance the traditional flavors.
- For a Mediterranean-inspired twist, include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
FAQ
Can I use regular lasagna sheets instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! While whole wheat lasagna sheets offer additional fiber and nutrients, you can use regular lasagna sheets if that’s what you have on hand. Just ensure they are cooked according to package instructions before layering them in the slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker lasagna?
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker model. Generally, this slow cooker lasagna requires around 4-6 hours on low heat or 2-3 hours on high heat. It’s important to follow the recipe instructions and check for doneness by ensuring the lasagna sheets are tender, and the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
Can I freeze leftover slow cooker lasagna?
Yes! This recipe can be frozen for future enjoyment. Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this lasagna can easily be doubled or scaled up to accommodate larger gatherings. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and ensure you have a slow cooker large enough to accommodate the increased portion. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly to account for the increased volume.
Are slow cookers and crock pots the same thing?
Yes, slow cookers and crock pots are essentially the same thing. The term “crock pot” is a brand name that has become synonymous with slow cookers. Both refer to countertop cooking appliances that use low, steady heat over a long period of time to cook food. While there may be some minor differences in terms of design and features among different brands, the concept and functionality of slow cookers and crock pots are the same.
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 onion large, diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 50 ounces pasta sauce jars, no sugar added
- 2 cups cottage cheese low-fat
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese part-skim, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- pinch of salt
- 12 whole wheat lasagna noodles uncooked, break in half before adding to slow cooker
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- basil fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the turkey and onion to a large skillet and cook over medium heat until the turkey has lost its pink color. Add the garlic and cook for one additional minute. Drain any fat from the cooked turkey. Add 1 1/2 jars pasta sauce and stir to combine.
- Combine the cottage cheese, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and salt.
- Add a 1/2 cup meat sauce to the bottom of the slow cooker. Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles and spread 1/4 cheese mixture over noodles. Repeat the layers until these ingredients are gone.
- Cover and cook in slow cooker on low-heat until noodles are al dente and cheese is bubbly, approximately 4-6 hours. Remove the lid and add the parmesan to the top. Turn off the slow cooker and allow the casserole to sit for 15 minutes before cutting. If desired, serve garnished with the fresh basil and additional parmesan.
Nutrition Information
Have you made this recipe?
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What size and shape slow cooker did you reccomend for this recipe? I have sizes from 2 2/2 to 6 quarts and both round and oval. I don't have the best luck cooking pasta in a slow cooker so I want to start off right to better my chances at a finished product. Thanks a lot!
Jennifer, I would recommend the oval 6 quart.
In the slow cooker now! One question…Ingredients list 2 (25 ounce) jars pasta sauce but only 1 1/2 are used in the recipe? I dumped the remaining and used for the bottom.
Barb, That's fine, a little extra sauce never hurts. How'd you like the lasagna?
Delicious! Consistency and flavor were perfect and used my Misto to make cleanup a breeze (still need to pull the trigger on the non-stick Hamilton Beach, just can't justify with 6 slow cookers already 🙂
Barb, Thanks so much for the feedback. I agree, our recipe is really yummy. BTW, this is going in my slow cooker this afternoon for a nice dinner. My family's favorite lasagna recipe. 🙂
I just want to be sure, are the noodles cooked at all prior to putting together the lasagna in the crockpot?
If it's the boil noodles yes, cook them first. If it's the no boil noodles, no, you do not need to do so.
Do you think you could possibly substitute the pasta for spaghetti squash?
Yes, it would be possible to use zucchini. If using zucchini, I would slice it lengthwise, not into rounds so you have nice long pieces to layer. You could use spaghetti squash to make more of a spaghetti like slow cooker pasta, since it comes out in thin strands. I would roast the spaghetti squash in 2 halves on a sheet separate, and slow cook the other ingredients separate for a cheesy spaghetti.
or maybe zuchinni?
Thank you for clarifying as the recipe is not clear about this. It calls for "whole wheat lasagna noodles" but nowhere does it say to boil them first if you are using regular noodles. I am glad that I found this comment as I was wondering the same thing as Nikki. I am making this today…………hope it turns out good!
High or low for 4 -6 hours??
Amy, Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours.
Hello
Do you think it's possible to use homemade fresh pasta with this recipe ? If so, do I need to cook it first ? I'm afraid of ending up with some kind of mash if not using industrial dry pasta…
Caco, Yes it's possible to use fresh lasagna noodles and it should not get too mushy.
Should it be boiled first? And does using fresh pasta affect the cooking time?
PastaGoose,
No you do not have to cook the noodles first. The cook time does not change for fresh pasta, but check after 4 hours to see if complete.
Do you think you could do this in the oven instead of the slow cooker?
M. Plummer, Yes, do it at 350 degrees F in the oven covered with foil as you would a normal lasagna, for about 40 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Unless using the no-boil noodles, you should boil the noodles prior to assembling for the oven.
Oh shoot I didn't cook the noodles prior cooking this. Am I doomed?
They aren't supposed to be cooked first, so you're good to go!
I am confused. Earlier posts say to cook the noodles first but the last post says otherwise. Making this for dinner tonight and not sure if I should cook or not cook the pasts first.
Kim, The noodles should be uncooked before adding to the slow cooker. I updated the recipe to reflect using uncooked noodles. 🙂
In the crock pot now! Hoping it comes out good. Instead of cottage cheese, i used part skim ricotta cheese.
Lisa, That should work fine. Keep us posted. 🙂
This is my first attempt with lasagna and a crockpot. Not much of a cooker. I accidentally bought turkey breast ground meat. I hope that doesnt change anything. Also, by only using 1/4 of the cheese mixture, it seemed like there would only be 4 layers…but each meat layer was supposed to only be 1/2 cup…i have much more than 4 1/2 cups of meat sauce. Also it was tough to get the whole oval covered in noodle by only splitting it in half. I ended up just layering in the middle and I lost count on how many noodles i used. Was the meat supposed to be the top layer? I probably should have asked all these questions before cooking but now im just waiting for the 4 hours to be up to peek at it. 4 to 6 hours is a rather wide range…how do i know its done? Thanks!
Jill, The cheese is typically on top, but no big deal either way. It’s done when the noodles are al dente, tender but not mushy. We give a range of hours because everyone’s slow cooker is a little different. How’d you like it? 🙂
Can I just built the lasagna on the crockpot without cooking the meat? Cause the meal will cook between those 4 to 6hrs?
Christian, Yes you can. 🙂
Hi Gale —
Do you think I could substitute uncooked edamame lasagna noodles for the whole wheat ones?
Denise, Interesting, I’ve never tried edamame lasagna but plan to. That should be fine. Please let us know how it turns out as other readers might be interested.
Do I have to use the cottage cheese?
Terri, Another soft cheese will work as well.