Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna

Embrace the convenience of slow cooking with this hearty Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna recipe, where traditional flavors meet the ease of a set-and-forget method.

Cooking hearty and delicious meals can seem daunting, especially for busy individuals and families.

This is where the slow cooker truly shines, allowing you to prepare mouthwatering dishes like lasagna with minimal effort.

This article will guide you through the steps to create a delectable slow cooker lasagna, a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients and Preparation

Meat Sauce

To begin with, you’ll need one pound of ground beef. This will form the base of your meat sauce. Start by cooking the beef in a large pan. While the meat is browning, finely chop one onion. If you’re not a fan of onion or prefer a milder flavor, feel free to adjust the quantity or skip it entirely.

Once the beef is browned and the onion is added, incorporate one tablespoon of minced garlic. Garlic adds a depth of flavor to the meat sauce, making it rich and aromatic. Season the mixture with half a teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. These spices enhance the flavor profile of the dish. After cooking, make sure to remove any excess grease from the pan.

Next, pour in a 26-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce and add one cup of water. Stir the mixture well and remove it from heat. This savory sauce will form the foundation of your lasagna, lending moisture and flavor to each layer.

Cheese Mixture

A good lasagna isn’t complete without a creamy, cheesy layer. For this, you’ll need:

  • 15 ounces of small-curd cottage cheese
  • 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley
  • One egg

Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until you get a uniform consistency.

Assembling the Lasagna

Preparing the Slow Cooker

Before you start layering your ingredients, spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the lasagna from sticking to the sides and bottom of the cooker, making clean-up a breeze.

The size of your slow cooker plays a significant role in how your lasagna turns out. In this guide, a 6-quart oval slow cooker is used. The size of the slow cooker will determine the number and thickness of your lasagna layers. Adjustments may be needed based on the size of your slow cooker.

Layering the Ingredients

Start with a layer of the meat sauce. Use about one heaping cup and spread it evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. This will ensure that the noodles won’t stick and will absorb the flavors from the beginning.

Next, add a layer of lasagna noodles. You’ll likely need to break some noodles into smaller pieces to fit them into the slow cooker, forming a uniform layer. Following the noodles, spread a layer of the cheese mixture over them.

Repeat these steps—meat sauce, noodles, cheese mixture—until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make sure to save enough meat sauce for the top layer. This helps the lasagna maintain its structure and keeps the noodles moist during cooking.

Cooking Time

Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3 to 5 hours. The actual cooking time may vary depending on your specific slow cooker model. You’ll know the lasagna is ready when the noodles have softened and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Finishing Touches

Adding More Cheese

Once the lasagna is done cooking, sprinkle half a cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of Parmesan cheese over the top. Adding these cheeses at the end allows them to melt perfectly, creating a delectable cheesy crust. You can also top it with a bit more fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Final Steps

Put the lid back on the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This final step ensures that the cheese is fully melted and the flavors meld together.

Serving and Enjoying Your Lasagna

Once the final layer of cheese is melted and bubbly, your slow cooker lasagna is ready to serve. Carefully scoop out portions with a large spatula, making sure to get a bit of every layer in each serving. This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad and a side of garlic bread.

Conclusion

Slow cooker Mexican lasagna is a fantastic option for busy families and individuals who want a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

With a handful of ingredients and a bit of preparation, you can have a hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness that a slow cooker brings to the classic lasagna.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a kitchen novice, this slow cooker lasagna recipe offers a straightforward and rewarding cooking experience.

So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal with minimal fuss, consider making this timeless dish in your slow cooker. Happy cooking, and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna

Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Explore the ease and deliciousness of making Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna, a perfect dish for busy days that does not compromise on taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 26 oz spaghetti sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 15 oz cottage cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 egg
  • Lasagna noodles

Instructions

  1. Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a pan, adding chopped onion and minced garlic during the process.
  2. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then stir in a jar of spaghetti sauce and a cup of water, setting aside once mixed.
  3. Combine 15 ounces of cottage cheese, 1.5 cups of mozzarella, 1/4 cup of Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and an egg for the cheese mixture.
  4. Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray and layer the bottom with a portion of the meat sauce.
  5. Add a layer of broken lasagna noodles, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture.
  6. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
  7. Cook on low for 3 to 5 hours until the noodles are tender.
  8. Top with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  9. Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: per serving
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 450Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1200mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 3gSugar: 8gProtein: 30g

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