Background and History:
Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish with a history dating back centuries. Traditionally, it consists of layers of wide, flat pasta sheets alternated with rich, flavorful fillings. The dish varies from region to region in Italy and has evolved over time to include various ingredients and techniques.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 9 cooked lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the pasta sauce and tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and egg.
- In your slow cooker, layer the ingredients as follows: a portion of the meat sauce, a layer of cooked lasagna noodles (break them if needed to fit), a portion of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Serves: 6-8
Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking (in the slow cooker): 4-6 hours
Nutrition Facts:
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 27g
Notes:
- You can customize your lasagna by adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce.
- If you prefer a meatless version, omit the ground beef or sausage and create a delicious vegetarian lasagna.
- Slow cookers vary in cooking times, so check for doneness around the 4-hour mark to avoid overcooking the noodles.
Allergy Warning:
- This recipe contains dairy (ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses) and egg. Make sure to choose suitable substitutions if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
- If you have gluten allergies or sensitivities, look for gluten-free lasagna noodles.
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