Slow Cooker Lasagna
Lasagna is possibly one of the oldest forms of pasta, a classic style dish that is a family favourite in many homes.
This slow cooker healthy lasagna recipe version will be ready to serve when you come home from a busy day at work or sporting activities.
PLUS you know you are serving your loved ones a healthy nutritious meal packed full with protein and lots of vitamins and minerals. Maybe don't tell them that though!
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Slow Cooker Healthy Lasagna Recipe
Serves: 10
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 4-5 hours
Ingredients
For the Meat Sauce:
- 450g (1lb) lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
- 1 medium capsicum, finely chopped
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 170g tomato paste
- 1 jar (425g) low-sodium passata tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
For Assembly:
- 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles, uncooked
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Method:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or chicken over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add the carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and chopped spinach until well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker. Break the lasagna noodles to fit and create a layer over the sauce. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Cut into slices and enjoy!
Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 601
Protein: 38.8g
Carbohydrates: 75.9g
Fat: 16.2g
Fibre: 7.5g
Benefits:
Turkey is a lean source of protein that helps build and repair tissues, including muscles. Protein is also crucial for the production of enzymes and hormones that support various bodily functions.
Capsicum, zucchini, and onions provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
