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A generous slice of rich Slow Cooker Lasagna with Meat Sauce, showing layers of pasta, cheese, and meat sauce, with the slow cooker visible behind it.

Slow Cooker Lasagna with Meat Sauce

This recipe offers the comforting taste of traditional lasagna using a slow cooker, making it simple for busy families. You can prepare this hearty meal ahead of time and enjoy quality time together without spending hours cooking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 29 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Cheese and Pasta Layers
  • 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 12 ounces cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 12 ounce package lasagna noodles Uncooked

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom. You may need to break some noodles to fit.
  6. Spread one-third of the meat sauce mixture over the noodles. Top the sauce with one-third of the cheese mixture.
  7. Repeat the layering process two more times: noodles, meat sauce, and cheese.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the noodles are tender.
  9. Once cooked, let the lasagna rest, covered, for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the layers set.

Notes

If you want a healthier option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground chicken. For a shortcut, you can use a jar of your favorite prepared pasta sauce instead of mixing the tomato sauce and paste yourself, though you may need to adjust the salt and oregano slightly.

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