Description
This Slow Cooker Lasagna offers a comforting, rich Italian classic with smoky smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and tender layers cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, this hearty dish features simple, wholesome ingredients combined into a flavorful meal that’s easy to prep ahead and enjoy all week long.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 8 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 cups fresh spinach, sautéed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Carbohydrates
- 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular noodles pre-cooked al dente)
Sauces and Flavorings
- 4 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- 2 tsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tsp fresh oregano, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Sauce: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then set aside. In the same skillet, add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the natural tomato sauce, fresh basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Layer the Ingredients: Lightly grease the slow cooker pot to prevent sticking. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of uncooked no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce. Add a portion of the meat sauce mixture, followed by some smoked turkey bacon pieces, sautéed spinach, and a generous sprinkle of plant-based cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a top layer of plant-based cheese and a dusting of the natural gelling agent to help set the lasagna.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The slow heat softens the noodles and allows the flavors to combine fully without drying out the dish.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooking is finished, remove the lid and let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes. This resting time firms up the layers, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavors. Serve garnished with fresh basil or chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Use no-boil noodles for easier layering and better sauce absorption.
- Do not overfill the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
- Always start and end layers with sauce to keep noodles hydrated.
- Monitor tomato sauce quantity to maintain moisture balance.
- Let the lasagna rest after cooking to set the layers and enhance aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker lasagna, plant-based cheese lasagna, smoked turkey bacon lasagna, easy slow cooker meals, gluten free lasagna, meal prep lasagna