Lazy Crock Pot Lasagna
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
9-12 lasagna noodles (uncooked, regular or no-boil)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Cook the meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or sausage) with the chopped onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Mix the ricotta:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Layer in the crock pot:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crock pot. Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles on top (breaking them if needed to fit).
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the meat mixture and a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process: sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta, remaining meat, and another layer of noodles.
Finish with a final layer of marinara sauce on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Cook in the crock pot:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Once cooked, let the lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.