Crockpot Cottage Cheese Lasagna Lazyday Layers

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a hearty hug in a bowl? Ever thought about ditching ricotta? Our crockpot lasagna with cottage cheese recipe delivers that classic lasagna vibe, but with a tangy twist.

Brief Overview

Lasagna. That ultimate Italian comfort food . A family favourite! But who has time for the faff? This easy lasagna recipe skips the fuss.

This slow cooker lasagna with cottage cheese takes about 20 minutes prep, cooks for 6- 8 hours on low, and serves 8 hungry bellies.

Main Benefits

This cottage cheese lasagna recipe swaps out ricotta for cottage cheese. Lower fat, higher protein! Plus, it's a super budget friendly lasagna .

Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas ! And it’s totally delicious honestly!

This recipe is special because it’s properly easy. No need to pre-cook the noodles! Seriously, just layer and leave. Who doesn’t love a crockpot recipe ?

Ingredients

Alright, here's what you'll need to get your lazy lasagna recipe on!

• For the Saucy Goodness:
  • 1 pound of ground beef.
  • One medium yellow onion, chopped.
  • Two cloves of garlic, minced.
  • 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
  • 15 ounce can of tomato sauce.
  • 6 ounce can of tomato paste.
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
  • 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
  • Half a teaspoon of salt.
  • Quarter of a teaspoon of black pepper.
  • Half a teaspoon of sugar (optional, but balances the acidity).
• The Cheese Dream Team:
  • 24 ounces of cottage cheese (full fat or low-fat, your call).
  • One large egg.
  • Quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Quarter teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Quarter teaspoon of salt.
• Let's Build a Lasagna:
  • 9 oven ready lasagna noodles.
  • 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Let's Get Started

Making this slow cooker Italian recipes is easier than ordering takeaway. First, brown the beef and chuck in the onions and garlic.

Next, add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and your herbs. After simmering for about 10 minutes, you're halfway there.

Then, in a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt.

I had a bit of a mishap once where I forgot the egg in the cheese mixture. The lasagna still tasted good but the cheese layer was a bit runny. Lesson learned!.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this crockpot lasagna with cottage cheese . It’s easier than you think, honest! No fancy skills needed for this easy lasagna recipe .

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the shopping list. Let's get this cottage cheese lasagna recipe going!

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (450g). Go for lean!
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always better.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (800g).
• Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can (170g).
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon .
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon .
• Salt: ½ teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
• Sugar: ½ teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity).
• Cottage Cheese: 24 ounces (680g). I like full fat for max flavor. This is our secret weapon in our lasagna with cottage cheese instead of ricotta !
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (30g), grated.
• Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon .
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon .
• Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles: 9 . You need the no-cook kind for this crockpot recipe . Trust me on this.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (225g), shredded. The melty goodness!

A tip for the ground beef: look for bright red colour and fresh smell. Don't skimp on quality here; it makes a difference.

Seasoning Notes

Let’s spice things up. This ground beef lasagna needs some flavour!

Oregano and basil are essential. They bring that classic Italian taste. Add sugar for balance if your tomato sauce is acidic.

A pinch of red pepper flakes never hurt either. This will give your lasagna recipe a little zing! If you don’t have oregano and basil on hand, feel free to substitute with Italian seasoning!

Equipment Needed

Nothing too crazy here, folks! This is a lazy lasagna recipe after all.

• 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker/crockpot . Essential for this slow cooker lasagna with cottage cheese .
• Large skillet.
• Mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Don't have a skillet? A large pot will do the trick! Got it? Awesome. You're now prepped to make this Italian comfort food a reality.

This also doubles as one of my go-to weeknight dinner ideas , because it is budget friendly lasagna !

Crockpot Cottage Cheese Lasagna: Lazy Day Layers of Loveliness

Fancy some Italian comfort food without all the fuss? This easy lasagna recipe is your answer. We are making a crockpot lasagna with cottage cheese It is a slow cooker lasagna with cottage cheese .

Honestly, this crockpot recipe is so simple. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner idea when you're knackered. Say goodbye to slaving over a hot stove! We’re ditching the ricotta for cottage cheese.

That's right, we are making lasagna with cottage cheese instead of ricotta ! It's a lighter, tangier twist on the classic.

Plus, this budget friendly lasagna is packed with ground beef lasagna , rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

First, get your ingredients sorted. Chop one medium yellow onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Get the 450g of ground beef ready to roll.

Measure out your spices, cheeses and sauces and have them ready to go. This essential mise en place saves so much time.

Trust me, time saving organization tips are lifesavers! As a safety reminder, always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.

step-by-step to Crockpot Glory

Ready? Let's get this show on the road.

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. Drain any fat. Add onion, cook 5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute more.
2. Stir in one 800g can of crushed tomatoes, one 425g can of tomato sauce, and 170g of tomato paste. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer for 10 minutes .
3. In a bowl, mix 680g of cottage cheese with one egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the base of your crockpot. Top with 3 oven ready lasagna noodles . Spread half the cottage cheese mix over the noodles, and sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella.
5. Repeat these layers. Sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mozzarella. For the final layer, end with noodles, then meat sauce, then remaining mozzarella.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or high for 3- 4 hours . Noodles should be tender. Cheese should be melted.
7. Let it rest 15- 20 minutes before slicing. This stops it being a soupy mess!

Pro Tips for Crockpot Perfection

• For extra flavour, brown your ground beef the day before. This make-ahead options is a great expert technique .
• Avoid overfilling the crockpot! Common mistake to avoid, it makes a lasagna explosion.
• Make sure the noodles are completely covered in sauce. This stops them from drying out.

Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Lasagna with Cottage Cheese

Alright, so you're about to dive into making my super easy lasagna recipe , using a crockpot . Awesome! Before you do, let's chat about some extra tips and tricks.

I have been making this cottage cheese lasagna recipe for years. I tweaked it to perfection. I want to share my knowledge to make sure you nail it first time!

Serving Up Smiles

Plating and presentation ideas: This Italian comfort food is rustic. Embrace it! A simple scoop onto a plate is perfect.

A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a touch of class. Don't sweat making it look fancy.

Complementary sides or beverages: Honestly, a simple green salad is perfect with this slow cooker lasagna with cottage cheese . Some garlic bread is always welcome too.

Wanna be extra? A glass of red wine hits the spot. A Chianti is ideal.

Storage Savvy

Refrigeration guidelines: Got leftovers? Ace! Pop them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. Flavors meld together, you know?

Freezing options (if applicable): You can totally freeze this crockpot recipe ! Let it cool completely. Cut into individual portions.

Wrap well in freezer safe wrap or containers. It will last up to 2-3 months. Ideal for a budget friendly lasagna option.

Reheating instructions: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or even back in the crockpot! If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight first.

If using the oven, cover with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Spice It Up! Lasagna Variations

Dietary adaptations: Want a vegetarian lasagna ? No probs! Skip the ground beef. Throw in some sautéed veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.

Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the summer, fresh tomatoes from the garden make the sauce sing. In the winter, roasted butternut squash adds a lovely sweetness and makes the cheese lasagna creamy.

Nutrition Nuggets

Simplified nutrition information: Each serving is around 420 calories. It packs about 35g of protein, 22g of fat, and 20g of carbs. But hey, who's counting?

Key health benefits: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. Plus, this recipe is lower in fat than traditional lasagna. A lighter take on no ricotta lasagna .

There you have it. You are now equipped to make a killer crockpot lasagna with cottage cheese . Don't be afraid to experiment! I'm sure you will make one of the best pasta recipes .

The key is to have fun. Get creative with your lasagna variations , and enjoy the process of making this super easy lasagna recipe .

You've got this! Now go get your lazy lasagna recipe on.