Crock pot lasagna is a delicious and convenient way to make this classic Italian dish. Here's a simple and tasty recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup water or beef broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, uncooked (oven-ready or no-boil noodles work well)
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is softened and the meat is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, and add 1 cup of water or beef broth to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from the heat.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until evenly blended.
Now it's time to layer the ingredients in the crock pot. Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the crock pot to prevent sticking. Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them if needed to fit the shape of the crock pot.
Add a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly. Top the ricotta layer with more meat sauce, then sprinkle a handful of grated Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layering process, starting with more uncooked lasagna noodles, and continue until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for about 4-6 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on your crock pot model and size, so check after 4 hours to see if the lasagna is fully cooked. The noodles should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
Once the lasagna is cooked, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation.
Serve the crock pot lasagna warm, and enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make meal!
Note: Remember to grease the sides of the crock pot lightly to make it easier to serve the lasagna. Also, you can add other ingredients like sautéed vegetables or mushrooms to customize the recipe to your liking.