Cheryl’s Whole Wheat Crock Pot Lasagna: Comfort Food Made Easy

The aroma of lasagna always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Sunday dinners were a sacred ritual, and her lasagna was the star. The bubbly cheese, the savory sauce, and the satisfying layers – it was pure comfort in every bite. While I’ve spent years perfecting her traditional recipe, sometimes life calls for a simpler approach, without sacrificing any of the flavor. That’s where Cheryl’s Whole Wheat Crock Pot Lasagna comes in! It’s a fantastic way to achieve lasagna bliss with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time (High): 2 hours
• Cook Time (Low): 2-3 hours
• Total Time: 4-5 hours
• Servings: 6-8
• Yield: 1 crock pot
• Dietary Type: Balanced

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 16 ounces Bob Evans Zesty Hot Sausage Roll
• 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped (optional)
• 32 ounces tomato sauce (I use 4-8 ounce cans of Contadina or Hunts)
• 12 ounces tomato paste (I use 2-6 ounce cans of Contadina)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 16 ounces fat-free cottage cheese
• 15 ounces fat-free ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat parmesan cheese, grated
• 12 ounces whole wheat lasagna noodles (I use Hodgsdon Mills)
• 16 ounces fat free mozzarella cheese (I use the Weight Watchers Shredded Mozzarella)

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Crock pot

Instructions

1. First, brown the ground beef, sausage, and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Be sure to break up the sausage and beef into smaller pieces as it cooks.
2. If desired, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Next, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, pepper, dried basil, and parsley flakes into the meat mixture. Cook until the sauce is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cover to keep warm.
4. While the meat sauce is simmering, combine the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, eggs, and parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
5. Now it’s time to assemble the lasagna in the crock pot. Spoon about 1/3 of the meat sauce mixture onto the bottom of the crock pot, spreading it evenly.
6. Add a layer of uncooked whole wheat lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce. Break the noodles in half or smaller pieces, if necessary, to fit snugly inside the crock pot.
7. Top the noodles with about 1/3 of the cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
8. Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, cheese – until all ingredients are used up.
9. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan cheese on top for added flavor and browning.
10. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for approximately 2 hours.
11. Reduce heat to low and cook for another 2-3 hours. The lasagna is ready when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Before serving, let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will help it to set and make it easier to slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can also add other vegetables to the meat sauce, such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• If you find that your lasagna is becoming too dry during cooking, you can add a little bit of water or broth to the crock pot.
• To prevent the noodles from sticking together, you can lightly coat them with cooking spray before layering them in the crock pot.
• You can prepare the meat sauce and cheese mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
• If you want a crispier top, you can remove the lid of the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Consider adding a layer of spinach for extra nutrients. Wilt the spinach before layering.
• Ensure that the noodles are completely covered in sauce. This helps them cook evenly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve Cheryl’s Whole Wheat Crock Pot Lasagna hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. A side salad and some crusty bread are perfect accompaniments.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also freeze leftover lasagna for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	603.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	96g	16%
Total Fat	10.7 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4 g	19%
Cholesterol	130 mg	43%
Sodium	2720.5 mg	113%
Total Carbohydrate	70.4 g	23%
Dietary Fiber	6.2 g	24%
Sugars	16 g	N/A
Protein	62 g	123%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef and sausage with sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
• Gluten-Free Lasagna: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Spicy Lasagna: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a little kick.
• Dairy-Free Lasagna: Substitute the cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese with dairy-free alternatives made from soy, almond, or cashew.
• Different Meat: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of whole wheat?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular lasagna noodles, but the whole wheat noodles add a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber.

Q: Do I really need to cook the lasagna on high first?
A: Cooking on high for the first couple of hours helps to get the lasagna heated through and the noodles started cooking. Lowering the heat prevents burning.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the meat sauce?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the lasagna. Just sauté them before adding the sauce.

Q: What if my lasagna is too watery?
A: If your lasagna is too watery, you can remove the lid of the crock pot during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Yes, you can freeze the lasagna. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Cheryl’s Whole Wheat Crock Pot Lasagna is a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want a delicious and easy meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Serve it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite red wine for a truly satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!