Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna with Veggies
Try this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna with Veggies recipe.
Try this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna with Veggies recipe.
- 2 jars (23 oz. each) ragãšâ® homestyle sauce (i used the ro
- 1 bag (9.6 oz) turkey sausage crumbles
- 1 large container (32 oz.) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup liquid egg whites or egg white from one large egg
- 1 package (9 oz.) frozen chopped spinach thawed, drained and water pressed out
- 1 small bunch baby kale chopped
- 2 tbsp. fresh basil chopped
- 1 box (13.25 oz.) whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 1 bag (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
- approximately 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -12 (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine RAG Homestyle sauce and turkey sausage crumbles.
- In another medium sized mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg whites, spinach, kale and basil. Stir to combine evenly.
- Place a slow cooker liner in the bowl of the slow cooker or spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer a ladle of the sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker bowl to prevent noodles from sticking.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them up to fit. This will not be super pretty, so don't worry to much about that.
- Add about 1/3 of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles and gently spread to cover the noodles as much as possible.
- Add about 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture.
- Add another ladle of sauce to complete the layer.
- Complete steps 5 - 8 two more times using up all cheeses.
- Add a final layer of noodles and cover with remaining sauce.
- Top with parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours.
- Turn off the slow cooker, take off the lid and let the lasagna rest for at least an hour. This allows for all the remaining liquid to be absorbed and for it to be cut and served easily.
- Cut into slices and serve with a crusty whole grain baguette.
Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna with Veggies: A Weeknight Winner
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early mornings, school drop-offs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and meal prep, finding time for myself, let alone cooking elaborate meals, feels like a luxury I can’t afford. Yet, feeding my family nutritious and delicious food remains a top priority. That's why I've become a master of streamlining my cooking, and this slow cooker lasagna is a perfect example.
Forget hours spent slaving over a hot stove – this recipe lets your trusty slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. It’s not just convenient; it’s also surprisingly flavorful. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, comforting lasagna that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. I’ve adapted the classic recipe to include a hearty helping of vegetables, boosting its nutritional value without sacrificing taste. The spinach and kale add a subtle earthiness that complements the savory sauce and creamy ricotta, while the whole wheat noodles provide a satisfying texture and a boost of fiber.
Why this recipe works for my busy life:
Prep Time: Minimal! This recipe requires minimal prep time. The most time-consuming part is chopping the vegetables, but even that can be sped up using pre-chopped options available in most supermarkets. Once everything is prepped, assembly is a breeze; it’s literally layering ingredients in the slow cooker.
Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker is my best friend. Once everything is layered and the slow cooker is turned on, I can focus on other tasks – getting ready for work, helping with homework, or even squeezing in a much-needed workout. No need for constant stirring or monitoring.
Make-Ahead Potential: While this recipe is fantastic for weeknights, it's also incredibly versatile. You can prep all the ingredients the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply assemble and turn on the slow cooker in the morning.
Leftovers Galore: This recipe makes a generous amount, perfect for meal prepping. Leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day, eliminating the need for elaborate lunch packing. Simply reheat a portion in the microwave and you have a satisfying and healthy meal ready to go.
Healthy and Delicious: I've incorporated a good amount of vegetables into this lasagna, ensuring a nutritional boost. While I love indulging in comfort food, I also believe in making healthy choices, and this recipe happily balances both.
Family-Friendly: This lasagna is a crowd-pleaser. My family eagerly devours this dish, always asking for seconds. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional takeout, providing a delicious and healthy alternative that's far more cost-effective.
Beyond its practicality, this slow cooker lasagna has become a staple in our family dinners. It's a warm, comforting hug on a cold evening, a delicious celebration after a long week, and a testament to the fact that nutritious, tasty meals don't have to be complicated. It's more than just a lasagna; it's a symbol of efficiently managing time, nurturing my family, and still finding a little bit of ‘me’ time amidst the chaos.
Serving Suggestions: I typically serve this lasagna with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. A simple green salad is another great addition for a balanced meal. Sometimes, if we're feeling adventurous, I'll serve it with a side of garlic bread, but honestly, it stands up beautifully on its own.
So, the next time you're searching for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal, give this slow cooker lasagna a try. It's a game-changer for busy weeknights, and it might just become your new go-to recipe. You'll wonder why you ever spent so much time and effort making lasagna the old-fashioned way!
