Hearty Veggie Crock Pot Lasagna
Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite with this Hearty Veggie Crock Pot Lasagna. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, as it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma as it simmers away. Bursting with layers of wholesome vegetables like fresh spinach and savory mushrooms, combined with rich ricotta and gooey mozzarella, this lasagna promises a satisfying experience for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Adaptable for a vegan option, just swap in your favorite plant-based cheeses and seasonal veggies. It's a comforting meal that not only warms the belly but also pleases the palate, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potlucks. Enjoy the joy of lasagna without the hassle, as this one-dish meal provides an abundance of flavor and easy clean-up. Watch as even the most ardent meat enthusiasts come back for seconds!
8
Servings
375
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onions
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
tomato paste
2 (6-ounce) cans (none)
tomato sauce
2 (680 ml) cans (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (sliced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
ricotta cheese
1 (750 g) container (none)
fresh spinach
4 cups (rinsed)
grated parmesan or asiago cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
no-boil lasagna noodles
2 (375 g) boxes (oven-ready, uncooked)
mozzarella cheese
16 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat until shimmering. Stir in the diced onions and crushed garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
2
Next, incorporate sliced mushrooms, oregano, salt, and pepper into the saucepan. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
3
Add the tomato paste to the mushroom mixture, stirring well to combine. Pour in the tomato sauce, mix thoroughly, and allow the sauce to simmer for 6-8 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
Begin layering in your crock pot by spreading a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place two layers of no-boil lasagna noodles on top, breaking them if necessary to fit.
5
Take one container of ricotta cheese and spread it evenly over the noodles, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Follow with another two layers of lasagna noodles.
6
Next, cover the noodles with half of the prepared sauce, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Continue with another two layers of lasagna noodles.
7
For the next layer, spread the remaining half tub of ricotta cheese over the noodles. Sprinkle excess water from the rinsed spinach and distribute it evenly over the ricotta, seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Top this with two more layers of lasagna noodles.
8
Finish off by covering the final layer of noodles with the remaining sauce. Top generously with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated parmesan or asiago on top.
9
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on high for 5 hours. Once done, allow the lasagna to sit for 8 minutes with the lid on to set before cutting into portions and serving.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Veggie Crock Pot Lasagna?
It is a vegetarian twist on traditional Italian lasagna made in a slow cooker with layers of fresh vegetables, ricotta, and mozzarella.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
What is the cooking time for this crock pot lasagna?
The lasagna should be cooked on the high setting for 5 hours.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can adapt it by swapping the cheeses for your favorite plant-based alternatives and using seasonal vegetables.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles beforehand?
No, this recipe uses no-boil (oven-ready) lasagna noodles which are added to the crock pot dry.
What vegetables are included in this lasagna?
The recipe features onions, garlic, sliced mushrooms, and fresh spinach.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 15 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
One serving contains 16 grams of fat.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What kind of cheese is used in the filling?
The recipe uses a 750g container of ricotta cheese, 16 ounces of mozzarella, and a half cup of grated parmesan or asiago.
How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spread a thin layer of the prepared tomato sauce on the bottom of the crock pot before adding the first layer of noodles.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
While designed as a veggie lasagna, you could incorporate cooked ground beef or sausage into the sauce layers if desired.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sliced mushrooms; button, cremini, or portobello work well.
Is the spinach cooked before being added?
No, fresh rinsed spinach is distributed over the ricotta layer and cooks inside the crock pot.
How many boxes of noodles are required?
You will need two 375 gram boxes of no-boil lasagna noodles.
What size tomato sauce cans are used?
The recipe requires two 680 ml cans of tomato sauce.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
Three crushed garlic cloves are used to flavor the sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but ensure you thaw it and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding it to the layers.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The primary herb used is 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper.
How long should the lasagna sit after cooking?
It is recommended to let the lasagna sit for 8 minutes with the lid on after cooking to allow it to set.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Is this a good recipe for potlucks?
Yes, because it is a one-dish meal that provides an abundance of flavor and is easy to transport in the crock pot.
How do I fit the square noodles into a round or oval crock pot?
You can break the dry no-boil noodles into smaller pieces to fit the shape of your slow cooker.
Can I use asiago cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes, the recipe suggests either grated parmesan or asiago cheese for the top layer.
How many cans of tomato paste are needed?
The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms.
Is this recipe easy to clean up?
Yes, as a one-dish crock pot meal, it minimizes the number of pots and pans used.
Does this recipe contain any dietary fibers?
While the specific fiber count isn't listed, the inclusion of spinach, mushrooms, and onions provides natural vegetable fiber.
Can I cook this on low for a longer time?
The recipe specifies 5 hours on high; typically, this would translate to 8-9 hours on a low setting.