Imagine a mouthwatering lasagna that practically cooks itself, filling your home with irresistible Italian aromas without hours of complicated preparation. This Crock Pot Vegetable Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food hack that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal that will have your family begging for seconds. No more standing over a hot stove or wrestling with multiple pots and pans - just layer, set, and forget until a perfectly creamy, cheesy vegetable lasagna emerges from your slow cooker!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice zucchini into thin rounds and dice bell pepper into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, stirring until well blended.
- Lightly grease the interior of your crock pot with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering ingredients in the crock pot: start with a thin layer of marinara sauce covering the bottom.
- Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking them to fit if necessary, covering the sauce.
- Spread a portion of the seasoned ricotta cheese over the noodles, then distribute chopped spinach, zucchini slices, and bell pepper pieces.
- Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella cheese over the vegetables.
- Repeat layering process: sauce, noodles, ricotta, vegetables, and mozzarella until ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Cover crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 hours, ensuring noodles are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After cooking, let lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
- Slice and serve warm, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the process and prevent soggy layers.
- For extra flavor, consider roasting your vegetables briefly before adding them to the lasagna.
- Don't skip the resting time after cooking - it helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce excess moisture.
- Experiment with different vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to customize your lasagna.
- For a protein boost, add crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute between layers.
- Always grease your crock pot well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
