Description
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna with Italian Sausage and Fresh Herbs. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, hearty Italian meat sauce, and creamy cheeses come together in the slow cooker for a comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this lasagna will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
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Meat Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian pork sausage, casings removed
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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Lasagna Layers:
- 9–10 uncooked lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
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Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and ground beef, breaking them up as they cook. Sauté until browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
3. Layer the Lasagna:
- Grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them to fit.
- Add a layer of the cheese mixture, followed by a layer of meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers of noodles, cheese, and sauce, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
4. Cook the Lasagna:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture the night before for easy assembly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Cooked lasagna portions can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Substitutions: Ground turkey or chicken can replace the ground beef for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian