Description

Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but cooking it in the oven can make your kitchen unbearably hot, especially during the summer months. Thankfully, your slow cooker can save the day! This Crockpot Lasagna recipe offers the same hearty, cheesy goodness without the need to turn on the oven. Perfect for those hot days when you still crave a classic lasagna, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your slow-cooker lasagna:

1 pound of ground beef
Lasagna noodles (uncooked)
1 jar of spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Pour 1 cup of spaghetti sauce into the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
Mix Sauce and Beef: Combine the remaining spaghetti sauce with the browned ground beef, stirring until well mixed.
Layer the Lasagna: Place 2 uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce in the slow cooker.
Add Meat Mixture: Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the noodles.
Layer Cheese: Spread 3/4 cup of cottage cheese over the meat, followed by 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of uncooked noodles, then 1/3 of the meat mixture, the remaining cottage cheese, and another 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
Final Layer: Add a final layer of uncooked noodles, the remaining meat mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4 hours. The lasagna is ready when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.
Optional Tip: If you prefer the cheese to be a bit more cooked, you can extend the cooking time slightly.

Notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hot: Serve your Crockpot Lasagna hot from the slow cooker for the best taste and texture. Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out portions.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and a pop of color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also enhance the taste.
Pair with Sides: Complement your lasagna with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Portion Control: For even serving, cut the lasagna into squares or rectangles. This helps ensure each serving has a good balance of noodles, meat, and cheese.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Make sure it has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Freezing: To freeze, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For easy portions, you can freeze individual servings.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated lasagna in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat individual portions on medium power to avoid overheating. For oven reheating, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Thawing Frozen Lasagna: When ready to eat, thaw frozen lasagna overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as you would for refrigerated lasagna. If cooking from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) covered with foil until heated through, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes for a crispy top.

With these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Crockpot Lasagna, ensuring it’s delicious and convenient whether served fresh or enjoyed later.