Easy Slow Cooker Classic Meat and Cheese Lasagna
Indulge in the comfort of classic lasagna without the fuss, thanks to this simple slow cooker recipe. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy layers of savory meat sauce, gooey cheese, and tender noodles—all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. This Italian favorite might just become a staple in your weekly menu rotation!
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 onion, small diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pounds (900 grams) lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried basil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dried oregano
- 2 24-ounce (700 ml) good-quality Italian pasta sauce
- 2/3 cup water
- 12 – 16 uncooked lasagna noodles
- 3 cups (750 ml) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (500 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 2 teaspoons salt
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef to the pan with salt and pepper. Cook for 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned. Stir in dried basil and oregano. Set aside.
- Layer the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker:
- In a bowl, mix together pasta sauce and water. Spread 1/3 of this mixture on the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Arrange a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit if necessary.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the noodles.
- Add 1/3 of the cooked meat mixture on top of the cheese layer.
- Repeat layering: sauce, noodles, cheeses, and meat. End with a final layer of noodles topped with sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Slow Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2 hours, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker but keep the lid on. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes; this will help set and make it easier to slice into neat squares.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy this hearty lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for delicious reheating the next day.
Savor the flavors of a homemade classic with this effortless slow cooker meat and cheese lasagna. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings, this recipe promises to satisfy the whole family with every comforting bite.