Description
This comforting Slow-Cooker Lasagna recipe combines rich meat sauce, a blend of cheeses, and no-cook lasagna noodles for a hassle-free, hearty meal. Prepared in a slow cooker, it allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in tender noodles and a cheesy, savory delight perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cheese Mixture
- 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups 4% cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- 1 package (8 ounces) no-cook lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Make the meat sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain any excess drippings from the skillet. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste, salt, and dried oregano to create a flavorful meat sauce.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed. Set this cheese mixture aside.
- Build the lasagna in the slow cooker: Spread one-fourth of the meat sauce evenly in the bottom of an ungreased 5-quart slow cooker. Arrange one-third of the no-cook lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit. Spoon one-third of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing the final layer with the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Cook the lasagna: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted. For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top and cook for a few minutes more until melted and bubbly.
Notes
- If you have leftover tomato paste, freeze it wrapped in plastic wrap or in ice cube trays for future use.
- Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Do not grease the slow cooker to prevent sticking but be careful when serving to avoid scraping the bottom.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
