Rustic Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe for Comfort

Crafting a mouthwatering spinach ricotta slow cooker lasagna demands creativity and minimal effort.

Layers of creamy cheese and vibrant greens melt together effortlessly inside your trusty appliance.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated approach.

Italian comfort food reaches new heights when prepared without standing over a hot stove.

Nutritious spinach adds depth and color to classic lasagna ingredients.

Tender pasta sheets absorb rich flavors while slowly simmering to perfection.

Dive into this delectable meal that promises comfort and convenience in every delightful bite.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual portions or whole lasagna tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.
• Cut desired portion and place on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot. Let stand for 1 minute before serving.

Pairing Ideas for Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, cheesy lasagna and cuts through its creamy texture.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's heaviness and add a fresh, zesty contrast to the dish.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft, layered lasagna.
• Complement with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a refreshing mint or basil iced tea that cleanses the palate and offers a cool, light accompaniment to the warm, hearty lasagna.

Variations on Slow Cooker Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles or use thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb noodle substitute.
• Vegan Version: Swap ricotta with tofu ricotta, use plant-based mozzarella, replace egg with ground flaxseed, and select a vegan marinara sauce for a dairy-free alternative.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add cooked ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles between layers to increase protein content and create a heartier meal.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and swap some spinach with chopped fresh herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• What kind of noodles work best for this slow cooker lasagna?

Regular uncooked lasagna noodles are perfect for this recipe. You don’t need to pre-cook them, as they’ll soften during the slow cooking process and absorb the sauce and moisture.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all excess water before mixing it into the ricotta cheese mixture. This prevents the lasagna from becoming watery.

• Is it necessary to use all three types of cheese?

While the combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a rich flavor, you can substitute or reduce one type if needed. The key is maintaining a similar total volume of cheese for the right texture.

• How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the slow cooker?

Lightly spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick cooking spray before adding the first layer of sauce. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Easy Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Throw ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making dinner effortless without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
• Spinach adds a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals, transforming a classic comfort food into a more nutritionally balanced meal for the whole family.
• Swap ingredients like adding ground meat, using different cheeses, or incorporating other vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Delivers the classic lasagna experience with minimal effort, perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry group without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna

• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that provides a smooth and rich base for the lasagna mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a classic lasagna texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that brings a sharp and salty flavor to the dish.

• Lasagna Noodles: Traditional wide pasta sheets that create the signature layered structure of the lasagna.

• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and a mild earthy flavor to the cheese mixture.
• Garlic Powder: A convenient seasoning that provides a subtle garlic taste throughout the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor to the lasagna.
• Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the ricotta mixture together.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other ingredients' flavors.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic herbs that provide a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Blend

Create a delectable mixture by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and egg in a large mixing bowl.

• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Step 2: Layer Your Lasagna Magic

• Spread a thin base of marinara sauce across the bottom
• Arrange lasagna noodles, carefully breaking them to cover the entire surface
• Generously spread the ricotta spinach mixture over the noodles
• Drizzle marinara sauce
• Sprinkle additional mozzarella

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, ensuring the top layer is marinara and mozzarella.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 4-5 hours
• High setting: Cook for 2-3 hours

The lasagna is ready when noodles are tender and cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes, helping it set and making slicing easier.

Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Slow Cooker Spinach Ricotta Lasagna

• Use room temperature ricotta for smoother blending and ensure even distribution of herbs and seasonings throughout the mixture.
• Break lasagna noodles carefully to create a tight, even fit without gaps, maximizing sauce and cheese coverage in each bite.
• Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain consistent heat and prevent moisture loss that could dry out the lasagna.
• Squeeze excess water from spinach to prevent watery layers and maintain the lasagna's ideal texture and structural integrity.
• Allow lasagna to sit for the full 10 minutes after cooking, which helps the layers stabilize and makes cutting and serving much easier.

Easy Spinach Ricotta Slow Cooker Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty spinach ricotta slow cooker lasagna brings comfort and convenience to classic Italian cuisine. Layers of rich cheese, tender spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)

Vegetable and Herb Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 9 no-boil lasagna noodles

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant ricotta blend by thoroughly stirring together ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, chopped spinach, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Create a lasagna foundation in the slow cooker by coating the bottom with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
3. Arrange uncooked lasagna noodles across the sauce, carefully breaking pieces to create a complete bottom layer that covers the entire surface.
4. Generously spread the prepared ricotta mixture over the noodles, ensuring an even, thick coating.
5. Drizzle marinara sauce across the ricotta layer and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese for extra richness.
6. Repeat layering process – noodles, ricotta mixture, marinara, and cheese – until all ingredients are utilized, making sure the final top layer is marinara and mozzarella.
7. Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, until noodles become tender and cheese melts completely.
8. Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to help layers settle and become more cohesive.
9. Slice and serve, optionally garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Break lasagna noodles carefully to create even layers without cracking or shattering them completely.
• Drain excess liquid from spinach to prevent watery ricotta mixture and maintain creamy texture.
• Use no-boil lasagna noodles for easier preparation and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like adding ricotta, provolone, or swap mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 5 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg