This Slow Cooker Lasagna has layers of pasta, gooey cheese and a deletable meat sauce that’s irresistible.
Do you call it a crock pot or a slow cooker? Wikipedia, the web’s seemingly final word on everything, calls it a slow cooker. However in Kentucky, where I grew up, it’s most definitely called a crock pot, so that’s how I still refer to mine. If you don’t own one, I highly recommend you making the investment as it’s a life saver for anyone who needs to cook but who also works or has a busy schedule. Wait a minute, isn’t that all parents and caregivers?!
Did you know you can make lasagna in your slow cooker? I’ve been making Veggie Lasagna and gluten-free Mexican Tortilla Lasagna in my crock pot for years, but since both of my girls have been liking ground meat, turkey and chicken lately, I’ve been making this healthy version using meat to rave reviews from my crew. After all, what’s more fun than layers and layers of pasta, cheese, and luscious sauce? Chloe said it looked like a tower the first time I put it on her plate, while Gemma yelled “timber!” as she pushed hers right over.
Other than the ease with which you can make it, the best part about this recipe is that it makes enough to feed a crowd if you want to serve it at a party. I make it in my crock pot, put the lid back on (after everyone has taken their share) and when it’s cooled I pop the crock pot insert into the fridge to reheat any remaining servings over the next few days, so there’s minimal clean up!
So crock pot…slow cooker…no matter what you call it, you’ll definitely be calling this easy and delectable lasagna a winner after eating it with your family!
Slow Cooker 12 Layer Lasagna
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds dark meat ground turkey
- 2 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 6-ounce cans tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces (about 4-5 cups) grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound dried lasagna noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add the turkey and cook for 5 minutes, until cooked though, breaking apart any chunks with the side of a wooden spoon to make bite sized pieces. Remove the turkey to a plate, and then drain the liquid.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot, then onions and cook for 5 minutes, until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Return the turkey to the pot, add the drained tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and italian herbs. Bring to a boil, and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs and mix in the cottage and parmesan cheeses.
- In the crock pot, spread a thin layer of the turkey tomato sauce, then a single layer of the dried lasagna noodles (I break them into pieces and slightly overlap to fit the crock pot), 1/3 of the cottage cheese mixture after that, and 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering until you have 3 layers of each, ending with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Turn off the crock pot, remove the lid, and allow to rest for 20 minutes before serving. This will help the lasagna keep its shape.
My crockpot is really hot as well. I don’t know why but it’s just so much hotter than the older models
Can I replace the lasagna noodles with thinly cut zucchini?
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Hi just wondering gf what I could use instead of noodles. Thank u!
Hi. What is the best way to freeze the lasagna? Do you wrap it first and then store in a container? What would you wrap it with? Thanks!
I’d like to cook this and veg lasagna in oven in casserole dish. What do u suggest? Thx!! Kim
Oops that posted twice. I bought all the ingred to make in CP but I need to mKe in advance for book club. I work tomor Nd will be gone longer than 6 hr. I plan to cook tonight and will be easier to make in casserole dish, put in oven, then cook when I get home. Hopefully someone replies soon,! Thx!,
I’d like to cook in oven in a casserole dish. What do u suggest?? Also the veget lasagna
[…] Slow Cooker 12 Layer Lasagna from Weelicious. Other than the ease with which you can make this recipe, the best part about this recipe is that it makes enough to feed a crowd. […]