No-Boil Slow Cooker Lasagna

I love lasagna but I sure don’t love boiling lasagna noodles. It’s tedious, they always stick together, and honestly, I just like to avoid extra steps when I can. So while I generally bake my lasagna in the oven (as one does), it’s usually a no-boil recipe. Even so, lasagna is still more of a weekend project — it takes enough time that I don’t turn to it on weeknights when my free time is pretty scarce. But it turns out you can make lasagna in your slow cooker, and no, there’s no boiling of noodles. It’s a layer things up, close the lid, press a button and walk away kind of a lasagna situation which means that your slow cooker can handle the work while you take your kids to soccer practice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This No-Boil Slow Cooker Lasagna is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s hassle-free, requiring minimal prep time and allowing you to focus on more important tasks while your dinner cooks itself. With its rich flavors and gooey cheese, it provides all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the extra steps. Plus, using a slow cooker means you avoid heating up the kitchen, making it perfect for any season.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula or Spoon

Ingredients

• 2 (24 oz each) jars marinara sauce
• 1 box no-boil lasagna noodles
• 32 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spread about 1 1/2 cups of the pasta sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles, breaking them apart to fit as needed.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, parmesan, egg, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Add Italian seasoning, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Spoon 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles and spread out if needed. Top with another layer of noodles and sauce.
5. Repeat layers twice more, then top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
6. Cover slow cooker and cook 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
7. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Ensure that the noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out. You might need to adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker’s settings, so check for doneness around the minimum time indicated.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for a heartier meal. For a veggie version, layer in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450, Protein: 25g, Carbohydrates: 50g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular lasagna noodles? No, you must use no-boil noodles as they will cook properly in the slow cooker.

Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Conclusion

This No-Boil Slow Cooker Lasagna is a delightful way to enjoy a classic comfort dish with minimal effort. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and delicious it is. If you do, please share your experience and any tweaks you made in the comments below!