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Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Shred up 2 cups of mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup Finely grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Meat: This recipe is old-fashioned with 21 grams of protein made in the 1st phase of a skillet over medium heat and cook the beef or sausage until browned. Spoon out any remaining fat and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently stir in 1 cup marinara sauce and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl; mix well. Set aside.
- Layer the lasagna: Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, about 1/2 cup, on the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles. Put 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles. Add 1/3 of the meat mixture and sprinkle mozzarella cheese. Thin layer of marinara sauce. Repeat these layers from the eggplant in two more sequences and 12 layers in total, ending with mozzarella cheese over all.
- Cook the lasagna: Place the lid on and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until noodles are done to your liking and cheese is melted all nice and bubbly.
- Carry on: You have two minutes left until the beets will demand your full attention and relatively infrequent stirring.
- Let It Rest: Once cooked, turn the slow cooker off and rest for 15 to 20 minutes before cutting into squares. Top with fresh basil if desired.
TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Meatless option: Swap the meat for sauteed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant and make a veggie-stacked one.
- Cheese Feast: To create a cheese feast lasagna, add more mozzarella or combine it with some cheddar to intensify the flavor profile.
- Throw in Spinach: If you want to up the nutrient content and add a little extra flavor, layer fresh spinach greens between your mozzarella cheese and marinara.
- Add Some Heat: If you like things hot, either use spicy Italian sausage or a little sprinkling of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble this lasagna and keep it in the fridge uncooked.
- Freezing: This makes great leftovers and even freezes well. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: You will get 530 calories with this meal.
- Protein: An amount of 42 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: An amount of 22 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 44 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
- Sugars: A 10g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
- Fiber: 5 g of fiber is obtained here.
- Cholesterol: 125 mg of cholesterol is obtained here.
- Sodium: 850 mg of sodium is used.
Slow Cooker 12 Layer Lasagna is made up of light and fluffy layers of tender pasta sheets sandwiching rich marinara sauce, gloriously creamy cheese, and highly flavored meat that’s cooked down to a sweet-and-savory mess. The slow cooker will take care of the heavy lifting, freeing you up to walk away and enjoy a weekday meal or weekend supper. It is simply delicious with every bite out of 12 layers, making it irresistible at any gathering. While this slow-cooked version is all about classic Italian layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce, you can also explore a fusion approach with our Mexican Lasagna Recipe for a zesty spin on the beloved dish.