With a house full of men–a husband, toddler identical twin boys, and a pre-teen son–food is a necessity in my household. Despite the difficult economy, dinner is an essential part of quality family time. At the family table is where–despite busy schedules–families can reconnect with each other. I’m always searching for meals that are cost effective, easy to prepare (for time management), flavorful, and tasty.
The slow-cooker or crockpot is a best friend for anyone wanting a delicious meal with little prep time. Families, including, those married with no children and/or those that are single, can really benefit from the slow cooker. It allows anyone to make homemade food that is ready when returning home from a busy day.
Lasagna is a delicious meal and filling meal that when made traditionally can take some prep work.
A great alternative is the slow-cooker lasagna that is offered by Kraft Foods. We have made it several times in our home and its always a hit.
This recipe can be modified to fit preference–vegetarian? Replace the ground beef with vegetables, i.e., zucchini.
Slow-Cooker Lasagna
Ingredients
1 lb. Ground beef
1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 cup Water
1 container (15 oz.) POLLY-O Original Ricotta Cheese
1 pkg. (7 oz.) KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
1 Egg
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
6 Lasagna noodles, uncooked
Cook
- BROWN meat in large skillet; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce and water. Mix ricotta, 1-1/2 cups mozzarella, 2 Tbsp. Parmesan, egg and parsley.
- SPOON 1 cup meat sauce into slow cooker; top with layers of half each of the noodles, broken to fit; and cheese mixture. Cover with 2 cups meat sauce. Top with remaining noodles, broken to fit; cheese mixture and meat sauce. Cover with lid.
- COOK on LOW 4 to 6 hours or until liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; let stand, covered, 10 min. or until melted. (For best results, do not cook on the HIGH heat setting.)
Is the slow-cooker used in your home? I would love to know your favorite slow-cooker recipes.
Happy Cooking!
What a great recipe! I never thought about using the slow cooker for lasagna. Lasagna is a favorite meal in my home so this is really a helpful recipe for those days I don’t have time to make it the traditional method. Thanks for the post!
The slow cooker is my favorite kitchen appliance. You can make breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts, drinks, etc. in a crockpot. I didn’t have the lasagna recipe so this will be a new meal for my family. Gracias!
P.S. – I have all men in my family too and my husband is from Puerto Rico.
I love anything that can be made in the slow cooker 🙂 I came by to check and see if you received my email about the Evenflo giveaway. Thank you very much!
Stephanie
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