Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

Experience the pleasure of Italian cuisine from the comfort of your home with this Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for those days when you want to enjoy a homemade meal but don't have the time to babysit your oven. The combination of lasagna noodles, delicious meats, rich cheeses and flavorful herbs, all layered and slow cooked to perfection, will bring a satisfyingly decadent experience to your dinner table.

Photos of Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

The ingredients required for this recipe are quite straightforward and commonly found in most pantries. However, you may need to pay special attention to find lasagna noodles and ricotta cheese if they aren't usually part of your shopping list. They are essential for this dish and are easily found in most supermarkets.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Lasagna

Sausage: The base of the meat layer. It adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor to the lasagna.

Pasta sauce: It adds moisture and flavor to the lasagna. You can use your favorite brand.

Lasagna noodles: These are the main structure of the lasagna. They hold the layers together.

Cheese: This includes both ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. They add creaminess and a rich flavor to the lasagna.

Parmesan: It adds a sharp and salty flavor. It's also a traditional ingredient in lasagna.

Baby spinach: This is a healthy addition that adds a touch of freshness to the lasagna.

Basil: It adds a sweet and fragrant flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

One reader, Alverta Card says:

This slow cooker lasagna recipe is a game-changer! It's so convenient and the flavors are amazing. The layers of cheese, meat, and sauce meld together perfectly. Plus, the spinach and basil add a fresh twist. It's a must-try for anyone who loves lasagna but wants an easy, delicious version.

Alverta Card

Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Lasagna

How to cook the ground sausage: Cook the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, using a large spoon to stir and break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

How to layer the lasagna in the slow cooker: Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker as follows: spread pasta sauce evenly along the bottom, layer lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, cooked ground meat, chopped spinach, and pasta sauce. Repeat the layers as needed, then top with noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.

How to cook the lasagna in the slow cooker: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the noodles are tender.

How to serve the lasagna: Sprinkle the top of the lasagna evenly with the remaining parmesan and fresh basil, then serve immediately.

How To Make Slow Cooker Lasagna

This lasagna recipe is a slow-cooked version of a well-loved comfort food. It has all the classic ingredients but is completely customizable too.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbsausage
24ozpasta sauce
16lasagna noodles,uncooked, no-boil
32ozcheese,ricotta, part-skim
2cupsmozzarella,shredded
½cupparmesan,grated
2cupsbaby spinach,fresh, chopped
¼cupbasil,fresh, finely-chopped

Instructions

Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) to a large saute pan, and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, using a large spoon to stir and break up the meet into small crumbles as it cooks.
Remove from heat and drain off any excess grease. Set aside.
Spray the insert of a large 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Then layer the ingredients.
Spread 1½ cups pasta sauce evenly along the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer about 4 lasagna noodles — breaking them into smaller pieces as needed to fit — evenly over the sauce to cover the bottom of the slow cooker.
Layer about ⅓ of the ricotta cheese (a little over 1 cup) evenly on top of the noodles.
Sprinkle ½ cup of the shredded Mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese in an even layer on top of the ricotta.
Layer about ⅓ of the cooked ground meat in an even layer on top of the cheeses.
Layer about ⅓ of the chopped spinach in an even layer on top of the ground meat.
Layer 1 cup of pasta sauce in an even layer on top of the spinach.
Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, Mozzarella/Parmesan, ground meat, spinach, and sauce. Then repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, Mozzarella/Parmesan, ground meat, spinach, and sauce.
Then add one more layer of noodles, sauce, and Mozzarella.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the noodles are tender.
Turn off the heat, and sprinkle the top of the lasagna evenly with the remaining Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 728.51kcal
Fat: 50.27g
Saturated Fat: 25.38g
Trans Fat: 1.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 14.46g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.06g
Carbohydrates: 27.64g
Fiber: 2.14g
Sugar: 5.44g
Protein: 40.95g
Cholesterol: 148.40mg
Sodium: 1450.94mg
Calcium: 844.19mg
Potassium: 521.98mg
Iron: 1.72mg
Vitamin A: 339.74µg
Vitamin C: 2.03mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna

To ensure that your lasagna noodles cook evenly in the slow cooker, it's important to break them into pieces that fit the shape of the slow cooker. This allows the sauce and other ingredients to distribute evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful and the noodles are perfectly cooked. Also, layering is key in lasagna making. Make sure to evenly spread each ingredient for a balanced taste in every bite. Lastly, don't forget to spray your slow cooker with cooking spray before starting. This prevents the lasagna from sticking to the sides and makes serving much easier.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lasagna

Prep ahead: Prepare the ingredients the night before, such as browning the sausage and chopping the vegetables, to save time on the day of cooking.

Use no-boil noodles: Opt for no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the step of boiling them, saving both time and an extra pot to clean.

Layer efficiently: Layer the ingredients efficiently to save time and ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the lasagna.

Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on scrubbing the pot afterwards.

Set a timer: Use a timer to keep track of the cooking time, allowing you to multitask and attend to other activities while the lasagna cooks.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

sausage - Substitute with ground beef: Ground beef can be used as a substitute for sausage in lasagna to create a milder flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use ground turkey for a leaner option.
pasta sauce - Substitute with canned crushed tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes can be used as a base for the sauce, and you can add your own seasonings and herbs to customize the flavor.
lasagna noodles - Substitute with zucchini slices: Zucchini slices can be used as a low-carb alternative to lasagna noodles, providing a lighter and healthier option.
cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
mozzarella - Substitute with provolone: Provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella to add a slightly different flavor to the lasagna.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan to add a slightly sharper and saltier flavor to the dish.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for baby spinach to add a heartier texture and a slightly different flavor to the lasagna.
basil - Substitute with oregano: Oregano can be used as a substitute for basil to add a different herbaceous flavor to the lasagna.

Presenting Your Slow Cooker Lasagna

Elevate the plating: Carefully layer the lasagna in a circular mold to create a neat and elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves on top of the lasagna to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Create a cheese tuile: Craft a delicate and crispy cheese tuile to accompany the lasagna, adding a sophisticated touch to the dish.
Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Artfully drizzle a balsamic reduction around the edge of the plate for a visually stunning and flavorful addition.
Serve with a side of garlic bread: Accompany the lasagna with a side of warm, golden garlic bread, elegantly arranged on the plate for a complete dining experience.
Add a touch of microgreens: Sprinkle a few vibrant microgreens on top of the lasagna for a fresh and visually appealing finish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers as a delicate and beautiful garnish, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Use a custom-made pasta stamp: Impress with custom-made lasagna noodles stamped with an intricate design, showcasing attention to detail and creativity.
Present in individual ramekins: Serve the lasagna in individual ramekins, creating a personalized and refined dining experience for each guest.
Accent with gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on top of the lasagna, adding a touch of opulence to the dish.

Essential Tools for Making Lasagna in a Slow Cooker

Large saute pan: A large saute pan is used to cook the ground sausage or beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
Spoon: A large spoon is used to stir and break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
Slow cooker: A large 6-quart slow cooker is used to layer and cook the lasagna.
Cooking spray: Cooking spray is used to prevent the lasagna from sticking to the slow cooker insert.
Spatula: A spatula can be used to spread the pasta sauce evenly along the bottom of the slow cooker.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the ingredients such as cheese, spinach, and basil.
Lid: The lid is used to cover the slow cooker while the lasagna cooks.

Storing and Freezing Slow Cooker Lasagna

Here are the detailed instructions for storing and freezing slow cooker lasagna:

Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will help prevent condensation from forming and making the lasagna soggy.
To store in the refrigerator:
- Transfer the cooled lasagna to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or cover with foil and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes.
To freeze the entire lasagna:
- Wrap the cooled lasagna tightly with plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Cover the wrapped lasagna with a layer of aluminum foil, labeling it with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Place the frozen lasagna in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 1 hour or until heated through.
To freeze individual portions:
- Cut the cooled lasagna into serving-sized portions and wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and place the frozen portion on a microwave-safe dish. Heat in the microwave until warmed through, or place the frozen portion in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, covered with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

How To Reheat Lasagna Leftovers

To reheat leftover slow cooker lasagna, first let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight if it was frozen. This will ensure even heating and prevent the lasagna from becoming watery or mushy.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, remove the lasagna from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the lasagna reheat more evenly and quickly.
Cut the lasagna into individual portions and place them in an oven-safe dish. If the lasagna seems dry, you can add a few tablespoons of water or pasta sauce to the dish to help keep it moist during reheating.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top layer of cheese from burning and to lock in the moisture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions of lasagna in the microwave. Place a piece of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the lasagna is heated through. Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave, as it may be hot.
If you have a large portion of lasagna to reheat, you can also use your slow cooker. Place the lasagna in the slow cooker and add a little bit of water or pasta sauce to keep it moist. Cover and cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the lasagna is heated through.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the lasagna with a food thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Once the lasagna is heated through, remove it from the oven or microwave and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Random Fact About Slow Cooker Lasagna

The slow cooker lasagna recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. It allows for the flavors to meld together over several hours of slow cooking, resulting in a rich and flavorful lasagna. This method also makes it easier to prepare, as it eliminates the need for constant monitoring and stirring. Additionally, using a slow cooker can help to tenderize the noodles and meat, creating a perfectly cooked lasagna. This recipe is a great option for busy days when you want a comforting and satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Is Making Lasagna in a Slow Cooker Economical?

This slow cooker lasagna recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as sausage, pasta sauce, cheese, and spinach, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The recipe yields a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four. The approximate cost for the entire dish is around $20, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious outcome.

Is Slow Cooker Lasagna Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker lasagna recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

High in saturated fat: The recipe uses a significant amount of cheese and sausage, which are high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health issues.
Refined carbohydrates: Traditional lasagna noodles are made from refined flour, which lacks fiber and essential nutrients.
Limited vegetables: Although the recipe includes spinach, the amount is relatively small compared to the other ingredients.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the sausage with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the saturated fat content.
Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses to further decrease the saturated fat.
Opt for whole-grain or vegetable-based lasagna noodles to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
Increase the amount of spinach and add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutrient density of the dish.
Prepare a homemade pasta sauce using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices to control the sodium content and avoid added sugars often found in store-bought sauces.
Serve the lasagna with a side salad to increase the overall vegetable intake and add a refreshing, light element to the meal.

Editor's Thoughts on This Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

The slow cooker lasagna recipe is a classic comfort food that is easy to prepare and full of delicious flavors. The layers of pasta, cheese, and savory sausage create a hearty and satisfying dish. The use of a slow cooker makes the cooking process convenient and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The addition of spinach and basil adds a fresh and vibrant element to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful option for a cozy family meal or a gathering with friends. Buon appetito!

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Create a savory garlic bread with a twist by adding roasted garlic and parmesan cheese to the butter spread.

Caesar Salad: Put a unique spin on the classic Caesar salad by adding grilled chicken and homemade croutons seasoned with rosemary and thyme.

Roasted Vegetables: Elevate your roasted vegetables by tossing them in a balsamic glaze and sprinkling them with fresh herbs like thyme and oregano.

Fruit Salad: Whip up a refreshing fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added crunch.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Slow Cooker Lasagna

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy chicken alfredo recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This mango salsa chicken recipe is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy mango salsa topping.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This roasted vegetable quinoa salad recipe is a nutritious and satisfying dish that features a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.

Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Slow Cooker Lasagna

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful appetizer that combines earthy mushrooms with a flavorful filling. They are perfect for any gathering and are sure to impress your guests.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Crispy Zucchini Fritters are a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. These fritters are a great way to start any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate when you dig into the center. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Create a luscious, creamy strawberry cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet strawberries will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe:

This slow cooker lasagna recipe is a tried and tested favorite, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of savory sausage and rich cheeses creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The addition of spinach and basil adds a fresh and nutritious element. With step-by-step instructions and a slow cooking method, this recipe ensures tender lasagna noodles and perfectly melded flavors. Trust the expertise of a seasoned chef and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal with this slow cooker lasagna recipe.

Share your thoughts on this slow cooker lasagna recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use ground beef instead of sausage in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use ground beef instead of sausage. It will still add a delicious flavor to the lasagna.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?

Absolutely! You can use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach. Just make sure to chop it up finely before adding it to the layers.

Can I prepare this lasagna recipe in advance and refrigerate it before cooking?

Yes, you can prepare the lasagna in advance and refrigerate it before cooking. It's a great way to save time and have a delicious meal ready to go.

Can I add other vegetables to the lasagna?

Of course! You can customize the lasagna with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container, and they should keep well in the freezer for a few months.