Crockpot Lasagna -

Crockpot Lasagna

Crockpot Lasagna (Perfect for Christmas Dinner)Serves: 6-8Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 4-5 hours on Low or 2½–3 hours on High

Ingredients:

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

For the Cheese Layers:

15 oz ricotta cheese

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Other:

9-10 lasagna noodles (uncooked)

Cooking spray or olive oil (to grease the crockpot)

Instructions:

Prepare the Meat Sauce:Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat. Add garlic, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Prepare the Cheese Layer:In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley (optional). Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix until smooth. Set aside.

Assemble the Lasagna:Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Break the uncooked lasagna noodles to fit and layer them over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, followed by another layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

Cook the Lasagna:Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2½-3 hours, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls.

Pair with a Caesar or winter green salad.

Add roasted vegetables for a healthy side dish.