Grandma's Heirloom Slow Cooker Lasagna
This rich and flavorful Slow Cooker Lasagna is a family favorite derived from my Italian grandmother's cherished recipe. Perfectly adapted for a 6-quart crock pot, it combines layers of tender pasta, a robust meat-infused tomato sauce, and a creamy ricotta mixture, all melded to perfection over slow cooking. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, this recipe can also be prepared the day before and refrigerated, making meal prep a breeze. Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete Italian feast!
16
Servings
200
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the crock pot)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
ground beef
1 pound (browned and set aside)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
5 (minced)
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
crushed tomatoes
3 (28 ounce) cans
fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup (torn)
red wine
1 cup
sugar
1 teaspoon
hot red pepper flakes
to taste (optional)
ricotta cheese
32 ounces
Romano cheese
3/4 cup (grated, divided)
mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (divided, half cut into cubes, half sliced)
egg
1 (beaten)
salt and black pepper
to taste
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
no-boil lasagna noodles
1 (12 ounce) package (uncooked)
Instructions
1
Begin by spraying the interior of a 6-quart crock pot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
3
Add the ground beef to the pan, cooking until it is browned throughout. Season with salt and black pepper. Once cooked, remove the meat mixture from the pan and set it aside.
4
In the same pan, add the tomato paste and cook for approximately 5 minutes until it darkens slightly. This will deepen the flavor of your sauce.
5
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, torn basil leaves, red wine, sugar, and optional hot red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir well to combine, then fold in the browned ground beef. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 30 minutes while you prepare the cheese layer.
6
In a spacious mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese. Create a well in the center and mix in 1/2 cup of Romano cheese, the mozzarella cubes, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
7
In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the egg, then pour it into the well with the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
8
Once the sauce has simmered for 30 minutes, spoon a generous layer of sauce into the bottom of the crock pot, spreading it evenly.
9
Layer the no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as necessary to fit snugly in the crock pot.
10
Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles evenly, followed by another layer of sauce.
11
Repeat this layering process with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, and sauce, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining sauce.
12
Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours (adjust timing depending on your slow cooker settings). If needed, keep warm for an additional hour.
13
In the last 60 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the top with the remaining Romano cheese and slices of mozzarella for a deliciously gooey top.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
14g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Heirloom Slow Cooker Lasagna?
It is a rich and flavorful lasagna recipe derived from a cherished Italian family recipe, specifically adapted for a 6-quart slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for a 6-quart crock pot or slow cooker.
How many servings does this lasagna make?
The recipe yields approximately 16 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
What type of noodles are used?
One 12-ounce package of no-boil lasagna noodles is used, layered uncooked.
How long does the lasagna cook in the slow cooker?
The lasagna should be cooked on the low setting for 4 hours.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared the day before and refrigerated until you are ready to cook it.
What kind of meat is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ground beef.
Is there alcohol in the recipe?
Yes, the sauce includes 1 cup of red wine to add depth of flavor.
What cheeses are in the ricotta mixture?
The mixture includes ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of Romano cheese, and 8 ounces of mozzarella cubes.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe uses 5 minced garlic cloves.
How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the pot?
Spray the interior of the crock pot with nonstick cooking spray before you begin layering.
Do I need to brown the ground beef first?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned with onions and garlic in a Dutch oven before being added to the sauce.
What is the purpose of cooking the tomato paste separately?
Cooking the tomato paste for 5 minutes until it darkens helps to deepen the overall flavor of the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer before layering?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes while you prepare the cheese layer.
Is an egg used in this lasagna?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is mixed into the ricotta cheese layer to help bind the ingredients.
When do I add the final cheese topping?
During the last 60 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the top with the remaining Romano cheese and mozzarella slices.
Are the red pepper flakes mandatory?
No, the hot red pepper flakes are optional and should be added to taste.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 11g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 14g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving provides 8g of protein.
Can I keep the lasagna on the warm setting?
Yes, if needed, you can keep the lasagna on the warm setting for an additional hour after the 4-hour cook time.
How much crushed tomato is needed?
The recipe requires three 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Is sugar added to the sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of sugar is added to the tomato sauce.
Do I need to break the noodles?
Yes, break the no-boil lasagna noodles as necessary to fit them snugly into the oval or round shape of the crock pot.
How much ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of ricotta cheese.
What side dishes are recommended with this meal?
It is recommended to serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread.
What herbs are used in the cheese mixture?
The cheese mixture includes 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
The recipe uses 16 ounces total of mozzarella, with half cut into cubes for the filling and half sliced for the topping.