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Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna Recipe

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3.8 from 46 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 18 servings

Description

This Slow Cooker Deep Dish Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of browned ground beef and Italian sausage, creamy cottage cheese mixed with eggs and parmesan, lasagna noodles, and rich marinara sauce slow cook together to create a deliciously tender and cheesy meal. The slow cooker method makes it convenient while developing deep flavors, finished with a melted mozzarella topping for a classic lasagna experience.

Ingredients

Cheese Mixture

  • 6 Cups (48 Oz) Cottage Cheese
  • 4 Large Eggs
  • 3 Cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese (divided)
  • ¾ Cup Parmesan Cheese

Meat Mixture

  • 1 Lb Ground Beef (browned)
  • ½ Lb Mild Italian Sausage (browned)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 (24 oz) Jars Traditional Spaghetti Sauce (divided)
  • 1 (8 oz) Can Mushrooms Pieces and Stems (drained)
  • ¼ Cup Dried Minced Onion
  • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • ½ Package Lasagna Noodles (uncooked)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large pan or skillet, brown the ground beef and mild Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. This step adds rich flavor to the meat layer. Once browned, set aside.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, 2 cups of grated mozzarella, and all the parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Set this cheese mixture aside for layering later.
  3. Make the Meat Sauce Mixture: Using the same pan with the browned meat, add one jar of spaghetti sauce, drained mushrooms, dried minced onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine and heat through briefly. Set aside.
  4. Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease a 7 to 8-quart slow cooker on all sides including up the sides to prevent sticking during cooking.
  5. Start Layering the Lasagna: Spread half a jar of spaghetti sauce evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then create the first layer by arranging uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit the slow cooker’s shape.
  6. Add Cheese Layer: Spread half of the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
  7. Add Meat Layer: Spread half of the meat and sauce mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
  8. Build Second Layer: Add another layer of uncooked lasagna noodles followed by the remaining cheese mixture.
  9. Add Remaining Meat Layer: Spread the rest of the meat mixture evenly over the cheese.
  10. Top with Noodles and Sauce: Add one last layer of noodles, then cover with the remaining half jar of spaghetti sauce, spreading evenly.
  11. Cook the Lasagna: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the noodles are tender and the dish is heated through.
  12. Melt the Mozzarella Topping: During the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, remove the lid, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and allow it to melt.
  13. Rest and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, turn off the heat and keep the lid off to let the lasagna cool for 15 to 20 minutes. The flavors will settle and it will be easier to slice. Serve garnished with parsley, accompanied by ranch dressing and garlic bread if desired.

Notes

  • Make sure to grease the slow cooker well, including the sides, to prevent sticking.
  • Uncooked noodles work well in slow cooker recipes since they soften during cooking.
  • The resting time after cooking improves lasagna texture and makes slicing easier.
  • Customize by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers in the meat sauce if desired.
  • Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your taste preference.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://patriciarecipes.com/slow-cooker-deep-dish-lasagna-recipe/