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Fancy making lasagne in your slow cooker? It is easier than you think - Audrey Deane shows us how...
★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. 6 Ratings
Rate this recipe- Recipe:
Audrey Deane
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves 4
- Freezable
Preparation
- Total time
- 6 Hrs 30 Mins
- Preparation time
- 30 Mins
- Cooking time
- 6 Hrs
For the lasagne
1 tsp vegetable oil
garlic (1x clove), halved
1 onion (small), finely chopped
½ red pepper, finely chopped
½ courgette, finely chopped
4 mushrooms, finely chopped
500g lean beef mince
1 beef stock cube
1 tsp oregano, dried
400g tomatoes (1x tin), chopped
200g tomato pasta sauce (1x jar)
8 lasagne sheets
For the white sauce
25g butter
25g flour
250ml milk
¼ tsp English mustard
110g cheddar cheese, grated
For the lasagne
Preheat the slow cooker on high and grease with the vegetable oil
Rub the garlic clove around the basin, then chop and add to the basin
In a separate bowl, mix together the mince, chopped onion, pepper, courgette and mushrooms, sprinkle over the stock cube and herbs
Add in the jar of tomato pasta sauce and the chopped tomatoes and mix really well
For the white sauce
To make your own white sauce, melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour
Cook over a low heat for one minute stirring
Take off the heat and beat in the milk a little at a time until everything is well mixed and smooth
Season with the mustard, salt and black pepper
Return to the heat and bring to the boil, add half the cheese and stir in
For the lasagne
In the slow cooker basin, layer up the meat sauce and the pasta sheets ensuring that you have at least 3 layers of pasta to absorb the liquid
Finish with a layer of meat followed by a layer of the white sauce
Put the lid on tightly and cook on a HIGH setting for 5-6 hours
When cooked, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on the top to serve
If your slow cooker basin is oven-proof, place under a hot grill for a bubbling cheesy top
Do watch the video below it's a great step-by-step guide to how to cook this recipe
You will need
Slow cooker - We really like this best-selling one from Morphy Richards. You can get it at Amazon for £24.99.
Tips
Cooking lasagne in the slow cooker is a great idea. No pre-cooking of the meat or the pasta is required. See our other slow cooker and pasta ideas.
How do you keep lasagne moist?
Let’s dive into the secrets to keeping slow cooked lasagne moist! You can follow the tips here for an easier time, whatever slow cooker lasagne ingredients you may use:
- Sauce: Ensure that your lasagne has enough sauce layers. The sauce not only adds flavour but also helps to keep the pasta and other ingredients moist during baking. Consider using a combination of tomato sauce, bechamel sauce, or other types of sauces that you prefer.
- Cheese: Cheese, especially mozzarella, is commonly used in lasagne and provides a gooey, creamy texture. It helps retain moisture and adds richness to the dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese between layers and on top of the lasagne.
- Proper layering: Layer the ingredients evenly and thoroughly. Distribute the sauce, meat, cheese, and other fillings evenly to ensure that every part of the lasagne remains moist. You can also have slow cooker lasagne with ricotta cheese!
- No-boil lasagne noodles: If you're using no-boil lasagne noodles for your slow cooker lasagne recipe, ensure there's enough sauce or liquid in the recipe to properly cook the noodles during baking. This will prevent them from absorbing too much moisture from the rest of the ingredients.
- Cover while baking: Cover the lasagne with foil while baking to trap steam and prevent excess moisture from evaporating. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown and get crispy.
- Resting time: Allow the lasagne to rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period allows the dish to settle, and the layers to meld together, resulting in a moister and more cohesive lasagne.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, add a little extra sauce or a splash of water before reheating to prevent it from drying out during the reheating process.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your slow cooker lasagne turns out moist, flavorful, and satisfying for a delicious and comforting meal.
How long to cook Lasagne in slow cooker?
Cooking lasagne in a slow cooker is a convenient and hands-off method that yields a deliciously tender and flavorful dish. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of slow cooker you have, as well as the specific recipe you're using. However, here's a general guideline for cooking lasagne in a slow cooker:
For a typical slow cooker lasagne recipe with uncooked noodles:
- Cook on LOW heat setting: 4 to 6 hours
- Cook on HIGH heat setting: 2 to 3 hours
For a slow cooker lasagne recipe using pre-cooked or no-boil noodles:
- Cook on LOW heat setting: 3 to 4 hours
- Cook on HIGH heat setting: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Remember that slow cookers can vary in terms of temperature and cooking times, so always refer to the specific recipe you're using and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Additionally, since slow cookers don't allow for browning of the top layer, you can finish the lasagne in the oven for a few minutes under the broiler to achieve a golden and crispy top, if desired. Just be sure to transfer the lasagne carefully from the slow cooker to an oven-safe dish before broiling.
Remember to check the lasagne's internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe temperature throughout. It should reach at least 71°C (160°F) to ensure the meat and dairy products are properly cooked.
Also, keep in mind that slow cookers work best when filled at least halfway, so adjust the recipe quantities accordingly to ensure proper cooking.
How long does it take to cook pasta in a slow cooker?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker is a simple and convenient method, but the cooking time can vary depending on the type of pasta you're using, as well as based on the specific recipe you have in mind. Here are some general guidelines for cooking pasta in a slow cooker:
For Regular (Non-No-Boil) Pasta:
- Cooking on LOW heat setting: 1 to 2 hours
- Cooking on HIGH heat setting: 30 minutes to 1 hour
For No-Boil or Instant Pasta:
- Cooking on LOW heat setting: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Cooking on HIGH heat setting: 15 to 30 minutes
You should check on the pasta's doneness every once in a when it's cooking in the slow cooker, as the exact cooking time can be influenced by many different factors. Overcooking the pasta can lead to mushy results, so keep an eye on it during the cooking process.
Also, be sure to use enough liquid (sauce, broth, or water) to properly cook the pasta in the slow cooker. The pasta should be fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
To avoid pasta sticking together while cooking in a slow cooker, you can stir it occasionally during the cooking process.
Overall, cooking lasagne in a slow cooker can be a convenient method for preparing a one-pot meal, but you may need some trial and error to find the cooking time that suits your tastes and the equipment in your kitchen!
Variations
One of the simplest ways to make a variation on slow cooker lasagna is make the sauce thicker or runnier, as you want.
The consistency of lasagne sauce can vary depending on personal preference and the specific recipe being used.
Here are some considerations for each type of sauce:
Thick Sauce
- A rich and concentrated flavour, as it reduces and intensifies during cooking.
- Tends to hold its shape and stays in place when layering the lasagne, making it easier to assemble the dish neatly.
- May have a more structured appearance when served, with distinct layers of pasta, sauce, and other ingredients.
Runny Sauce
- Adds moisture and helps keep the lasagne tender and juicy.
- Creates a saucier and creamier texture throughout the dish.
- Soaks into the pasta more, resulting in a softer texture.
To achieve your desired consistency, you can adjust the sauce by controlling the amount of liquid used in the recipe. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a longer time to reduce and concentrate the flavours. Conversely, if you want a runnier sauce, you can add a bit more liquid, such as broth or water, to the sauce.
Whether thick or runny, the key is to make sure the sauce complements the other ingredients and contributes to a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Reviews
★★★★★ Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars. 6 Ratings
Rate this recipePolly L(45)
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Mind. Blown.
Reviewed on 06/04/20
Guest
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Just come across this recipie. Looks fantastic. Just wondering has anyone done it on low? How long does it take? Many thanks
Reviewed on 01/11/16
Guest
★★★★★ Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
This recipe literally changed my life! I discovered it a year ago when we were having kitchen re-fitted and I didn't want to buy frozen meals, so I bought a slow cooker! I change it about a lot - grated courgette, I use half turkey mince, half lean beef mince, gravy and/or passata, cheese sauce as we don't like bechamel. It always comes out great, no matter what. Always use wholegrain pasta sheets. I hardly use the oven at all now, it's slow cooker all the way from roast chicken to cheesecake :D I couldn't cook before discovering this recipe, now everything I make is from fresh ingredients, so thanks! 1st lighter too!
Reviewed on 12/07/16
Guest
★★★★☆ Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Wow, lasagne in the slow cooker, I would never have believed it until I tried it. My family love lasagne but I don't cook it as often as they'd like as I find it quite time consuming. Thank you netmums for opening my eyes to a new way of cooking an old favourite and rescuing my slow cooker from the back of the cupboard.
Reviewed on 18/11/15
Guest
★★★★☆ Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Would never have thought to do lasagne in the slow cooker!! But really want to know if it will be ok on low for about 8 hours? secondly, what size slow cooker would this use as mine is about 6L so really big!
Reviewed on 21/01/15
Guest
★★★★☆ Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Made this for dinner yesterday; was concerned about it drying out but it was lovely and moist! I was also very impressed that it kept it's lasagne layers when lifting out the cooker, I was worried it would collapse but it was perfect. I did make some alterations to the recipe due to personal preference. I used two cartons of passata instead of chopped toms/pasta sauce; my fussy family aren't keen on lumps, plus I find jars of pasta sauce are full of sugar and other nasties! I also grated my veg instead of chopped, but again that was due to fussy vegetable-hating children (and husband!) I used a teaspoon of gravy granules instead of a stock cube, because I had ran out, and it still tasted lovely! I did find that the lasagne cooked way more quickly than the time on the recipe; I had it on low instead of high, and it was done in four hours. Overall a good little recipe that I will try again.
Reviewed on 21/01/15
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