Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna with Meat

This Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna with Meat is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional lasagna. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, it features layers of tender zucchini, hearty ground meat, and a rich marinara sauce, all cooked together in a slow cooker to create a flavorful and comforting meal.

Whether you’re looking for a meaty dish for your family or a healthy option for meal prep, this slow cooker zucchini lasagna is a perfect choice.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 jar (24 oz) of pasta sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8-10 oven-ready lasagna noodles

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer the bottom of a large slow cooker with half of the sliced zucchini.
4. Spoon half of the pasta sauce over the zucchini.
5. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, breaking them to fit if necessary.
6. Over noodles spread half spoon of cheese mixture.
7. Repeat the layering process one more time, ending with the cheese mixture.
8. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the lasagna is hot and bubbly.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

Here are a few unique tips to make your Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna with Meat even more delicious:

1. Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly, so it cooks evenly and doesn’t turn mushy.
2. Use a flavorful tomato sauce for the lasagna to add depth to the dish. You can even try using a homemade sauce or a store-bought brand with extra spices and herbs.
3. For a bit of extra texture, you can sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs on top of the lasagna before cooking.
4. To cut down on prep time, consider using pre-cooked ground meat or even a meat-sauce mixture to layer into the lasagna.
5. For a vegetarian option, try using a vegetarian meat substitute, or use mushrooms and roasted vegetables in place of meat.

By following these tips, you can take your Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna with Meat to the next level and enjoy a delicious, healthy, and easy meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna with Meat is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this lasagna is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I replace beef with turkey or chicken?

Yes, feel free to use any type of ground meat that you prefer.

Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready noodles?

Yes, you can use fresh lasagna noodles but keep in mind that the cooking time may be longer and you may need to add extra liquid to the slow cooker to prevent the noodles from drying out.