Yes, you can make lasagna in a slow-cooker, and it can turn out delicious! Slow-cooker lasagna is a convenient alternative to the traditional oven-baked version, especially when you want to save time and effort.
Here's a basic recipe for making lasagna in a slow-cooker:
Ingredients:
- 9-12 lasagna noodles (oven-ready or no-boil noodles work best)
- 1 pound (about 500g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24-28 ounces) of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes (optional for added richness)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, and continue to cook until the onions are softened. Drain excess fat.
Add the jar of marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes (if using) to the cooked meat mixture. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a beaten egg. Season the cheese mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assemble the lasagna in the slow-cooker: Start with a layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of the slow-cooker. Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit as needed. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Cover the slow-cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Carefully remove the lid and let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Advantages of Slow-Cooker Lasagna:
- Convenience: Slow-cooker lasagna is easy to assemble, and you can set it to cook while you go about your day, making it a convenient option.
- No-boil noodles: Many slow-cooker lasagna recipes use no-boil noodles, eliminating the need to pre-cook them separately.
- Moist and tender: Slow-cooking allows the flavors to meld, and the lasagna noodles cook evenly, resulting in a moist and tender dish.
While slow-cooker lasagna can be delicious and convenient, some people might prefer the texture and crust that an oven-baked lasagna provides. The top layer of the lasagna in the slow-cooker won't be as crispy as it would be in the oven, but the overall flavor will still be excellent. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a crispier top layer, you can transfer the slow-cooker lasagna to the oven for a few minutes under the broiler to achieve some browning.
In summary, slow-cooker lasagna is a great option when you want a hands-off approach to cooking this classic dish, and it can be just as tasty as oven-baked lasagna, depending on your preferences.