My Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes: Meat Lovers Lasagna

My Recipe For Meat Lovers Slow Cooker Lasagna 

(Yes this can be done, and the result is amazing)

What you need:

1 lb. Sweet Italian Sausage

1 lb. ground beef

5 Slices Bacon, Cooked

1 box of Lasagna Noodles, uncooked

8 oz. Ricotta Cheese 

1 Egg

4 cups mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/4 cup white wine

2 tablespoons of butter

1 onion, diced

1 green pepper, diced

salt 

pepper

Italian Seasoning

Parsley

2 jars of tomato sauce (I used Garlic & Herb and Meat) 

Garlic (if desired) 

What you need to do:

1. Brown ground beef. I like to cook my beef with a little onion, so I added a handful or so. Drain fat, set aside. 

2. Cook sweet Italian sausage until no longer pink. While cooking, season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain fat, set aside. 

3.  Heat large saucepan over medium heat. Melt butter and sautee rest of onions until tender. Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup white wine. (TAKE IN THAT LOVELY AROMA!) Add green peppers and cook an additional 3 minutes, stirring frequently. 

4. Add both jars of pasta sauce, ground beef, and sausage. Allow sauce to boil. Once it starts to boil, set to low and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend. I like a little flavor to my sauce, so I added salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder as it was cooking. 

5. Chop bacon up into tiny pieces, add to sauce. 

6. While sauce is simmering, prepare ricotta mixture. In a large bowl combine 8 oz. ricotta, 1 egg, and 2 cups mozzarella cheese. If you would like you can also add a 1/4 cup of Parmesan. ( I didn't have any on hand)

7. Time to start layering! 

First, you will want to add a layer of the meat/sauce mixture. Make sure bottom of slow cooker is covered with sauce. 

Next, layer your uncooked noodles. I broke them apart so they would fit better. This can be a little but tricky but make sure most of sauce is covered by the uncooked noodles.

Next, layer on the ricotta mixture. At this point I sprinkle MORE mozzarella cheese on top. I LOVE cheese.

Repeat these layers at least two more times. Depending on the height of your slow cooker.

Finish with a layer of tomato sauce and top with mozzarella. It will turn into a pretty golden brown as it cooks.

Cook on low for about 4-6 hours.

Enjoy!