Easy Crockpot Lasagna

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This Easy Crockpot Lasagna recipe is a lifesaver for busy days. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty crockpot, you can create a deliciously comforting lasagna that the whole family will love. Plus, the slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day!

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (divided in half)
  • 24 ounce can roasted garlic herb spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided; you’ll need a 16-ounce bag or 16-ounce block)
  • 2 ½ cups small curd cottage cheese (you’ll need a 24-ounce tub)
  • 1 large egg
  • 12 lasagna noodles (NOT NO-BOIL; uncooked)
  • Fresh minced parsley (optional garnish)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
  2. Mix the Sauce: Drain any excess grease and then add the spaghetti sauce, beef broth, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In the meantime, combine 1 ½ cups of the divided mozzarella cheese, small curd cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and large egg together in a bowl. Stir everything together well.
  5. Layer the Ingredients: Spray the bottoms and sides of your crockpot and begin layering.
  6. First Layer: Spread a layer of 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
  7. Layer the Noodles: Layer 3 lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. Fit the crockpot by breaking two lasagna noodles and leave one unbroken lasagna noodle for the middle layer. This will depend on the shape of your crockpot.
  8. Add Cheese Mixture: Spread 1 cup of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
  9. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering until everything is used. You should have enough for four sets of layers.
  10. Top with Cheese: Top the last layer of noodles with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  11. Cook the Lasagna: Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours or until the noodles absorb the liquid and are soft. You can check the noodles for tenderness by lifting them up and poking them with a fork or cutting them with a knife.
  12. Serve and Garnish: Plate and serve warm with some minced parsley as a garnish, optional.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 10

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

  1. Pair with Fresh Sides: Serve this Easy Crockpot Lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
  2. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and some minced parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.
  3. Portion Control: Use a large spoon or spatula to serve individual portions directly from the crockpot. This helps in managing portion sizes and keeping the layers intact.
  4. Reheat Gently: If serving later, reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the lasagna.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the lasagna in individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. The lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  3. Thawing: To thaw frozen lasagna, place it in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker method, use the defrost setting on your microwave.
  4. Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed lasagna in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For the oven, place the lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

Additional Tips

  1. Make-Ahead Preparation: Assemble the lasagna the night before or in the morning and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to start the crockpot. This can save time and make dinner prep even easier.
  2. Using Leftovers Creatively: Use leftover lasagna as a filling for stuffed peppers or mix it with some extra sauce and cheese to create a lasagna casserole.
  3. Portioning for Easy Meals: When freezing, consider portioning the lasagna into single servings. This makes it easy to grab just what you need for a quick lunch or dinner.

 Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Lasagna: Replace ground beef with a mix of diced vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Use marinara sauce instead of meat sauce.
  2. Chicken Lasagna: Substitute ground beef with cooked, shredded chicken. Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of tomato-based sauce for a white lasagna variation.
  3. Spicy Lasagna: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for a spicy kick. Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
  4. Cheesy Lasagna: Increase the cheese amount by adding layers of ricotta cheese mixed with spinach or additional shredded Italian cheese blend.
  5. Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that all other ingredients (like the sauce) are gluten-free.
  6. Low-Carb Lasagna: Replace lasagna noodles with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant for a lower-carb alternative.
  7. Seafood Lasagna: Replace ground beef with a combination of cooked shrimp, scallops, and crab meat. Use a creamy white sauce instead of tomato-based sauce.
  8. Mexican Lasagna: Use taco seasoning for the meat and layer with tortillas instead of lasagna noodles. Add black beans, corn, and Mexican cheese blend.
  9. Pesto Lasagna: Add layers of basil pesto to the cheese mixture for a fresh, herby flavor. Combine with cooked, shredded chicken or turkey.
  10. Vegan Lasagna: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Opt for marinara sauce and add plenty of vegetables.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this recipe? Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. They will cook in the crockpot, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
  2. How can I prevent my lasagna from becoming too watery? Ensure to simmer the sauce until slightly thickened and drain any excess grease from the ground beef. Also, avoid adding too much broth.
  3. Can I assemble this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna the night before or in the morning and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
  4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover lasagna? Reheat in the microwave on medium power or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Cover with foil in the oven to prevent drying out.
  5. Can I freeze the cooked lasagna? Yes, you can freeze cooked lasagna. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  6. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese? Yes, ricotta cheese can be used instead of cottage cheese. It will give the lasagna a slightly different texture and flavor.
  7. How do I know when the lasagna is done cooking? The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and have absorbed the liquid. Check by lifting a noodle with a fork or knife.
  8. Can I cook the lasagna on high to reduce cooking time? Cooking on high can reduce the time, but it may result in uneven cooking. It’s best to cook on low for 3-5 hours for the best results.
  9. What can I use instead of ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes are great alternatives to ground beef.
  10. How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the crockpot? Spray the bottom and sides of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray before layering the ingredients. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

This Easy Crockpot Lasagna is perfect for those busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without all the fuss. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort, and watch it become a family favorite!