This Slow Cooker Lasagna is an easy recipe, packed with Italian pasta flavors, layers of gooey cheese, and packed with vegetables. It makes plenty to enjoy today, and still enjoy leftovers tomorrow.
1poundground beefground turkey, or Italian sausage
1onionchopped
224-ounce jars of Italian pasta sauce
16uncooked no-boil lasagna noodles
32ouncespart-skim ricotta cheese *
2clovesgarlicminced
2cupsshredded Mozzarella cheese
½cupgrated Parmesan cheese
2cupschopped fresh baby spinach
1zucchinithinly sliced
¼cupfinely-chopped fresh basil
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Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat, chopped onions, and garlic until brown. Set aside.
While the meat is cooking, chop the spinach and thinly slice the zucchini.
Spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Then spread 1 ½ cups of pasta sauce evenly along the bottom of the slower.
Assembling the Lasagna Layers:
Layer 4 lasagne noodles over the top of the pasta sauce, breaking them into smaller pieces to evenly fit the insert. Then, layer ⅓ of the ricotta cheese over the noodles in dollops and spread with a spatula. Then sprinkle ⅓ of the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in an even layer. Add ⅓ of the meat mixture, followed by ⅓ of the spinach and ⅓ of the zucchini, and top with ⅓ of the remaining pasta sauce.
Repeat with layers of noodles, ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, ground meat, spinach, zucchini, and sauce two more times for a total of 3 layers.
Final Layer
Top with one more layer of noodles topped with remaining pasta sauce and a sprinkling of 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 slow cooker and sprinkle the top of the lasagna with Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or sometimes I use parsley. Let sit a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Ricotta Cheese: When I have a little extra time, I mix 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs into the ricotta. Parsley is a great choice here.