join the movement #slowcookersaturday

Almost everyone I know owns a slow cooker, but my question to them is "Do you actually use it?" I now own 2 slow cookers because these kitchen staples have changed my life, and I would be remiss if I did not shout it from the mountaintop. Well, I'm afraid of heights, so blogging about it will have to suffice. I first experienced the wonder that is slow cooking when I made a slow cooker lasagna recipe that I came across on FB. It looked delicious, and I love lasagna (even the frozen kind), so I thought I'd give a shot. I did, and it was easy, and what's more, it was well received by all. That was back in December. I posted a pic of it on FB, and I could tell by some of the comments that people were salivating over my yummy dish. Hence, the idea was hatched, and #slowcookersaturday was born. I have successfully completed 7 straight #slowcookersaturday (s), and I have to say that my fear of trying something new has waned, and that meal planning has become a healthy habit.

My slow cooker-infrequently used- sat in my cabinet for the past 6, but now that it has been removed, it has been redeemed, and now holds the title as my favorite cooking tool.  

Join me Saturday as I make slow cooker lasagna. I love it, and you will too!

Via

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Ground Beef or I use 1/2 Ground Turkey and 1/2 Ground Beef- (Vegetarian option- no meat add zucchini or spinach).
• Lasagna noodles (no need to boil)
• 2 1 jar(s) of spaghetti sauce; I typically use whatever brand is on sale 
• 1 1/2 cups of ricotta
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

• Season and brown ground beef/turkey and drain (I season my meat with oregano and garlic powder to taste).
• Spoon 1 Cup spaghetti sauce in bottom of 4 quart crock pot.
• Mix remaining sauce with beef (I add a little sugar to the meat sauce- just a little).
• Place 2 uncooked lasagna noodles on sauce in crock pot.
• Spread 1/3 meat mixture on top of noodles.
• Spread 3/4 Cup cottage cheese over meat.
• Sprinkle 1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese over cottage cheese.
• Add another layer of uncooked noodles, 1/3 meat mixture, the remaining cottage cheese and 1/2 Cup mozzarella cheese.
• Place another layer of uncooked noodles, meat mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
• Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
• Cook on low for 4 hours.

Be careful not to overcook! Enjoy with a tossed salad and some garlic bread. 
Follow Tamara's board I'm Slow Cooking| #slowcookersaturday on Pinterest.