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Easy Summer Slow Cooker Family Lasagna

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A no-fuss, crowd-pleasing slow cooker lasagna recipe perfect for keeping your kitchen cool during hot summer days. This recipe layers meat sauce, cheese, and no-boil noodles for a comforting, homemade feel without the oven heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil or handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
  • 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (break to fit slow cooker)
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium beef broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. When halfway cooked, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until meat is browned and onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-8 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  2. Mix the Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and chopped fresh herbs if using. Stir well until creamy and smooth.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna in the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread about 1/3 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom.
  4. Layer 3 no-boil noodles (breaking to fit if necessary) over the sauce, slightly overlapping.
  5. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
  6. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella on top of the ricotta.
  7. Repeat layers twice more: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella.
  8. Pour 1/2 cup water or broth around the edges of the slow cooker to help noodles soften during cooking.
  9. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to keep heat consistent.
  10. Check for doneness: noodles should be tender but still hold shape, and cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden.
  11. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to firm up for easier slicing.

Notes

Use no-boil noodles to avoid mushiness. Break noodles to fit slow cooker and layer carefully. Avoid overfilling slow cooker to ensure lid fits snugly. Rest lasagna 10 minutes before slicing. If sauce is too watery near end, remove lid and cook on HIGH for last 30 minutes to reduce. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, substitute meat and cheeses accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker lasagna, easy lasagna recipe, summer dinner, no-boil noodles, family meal, slow cooker dinner, quick lasagna

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-summer-slow-cooker-family-lasagna-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/