This lasagna is going to become your favorite lasagna recipe not only because I used zucchini instead of noodles, but also made in the slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna is also low-carb and gluten-free.
When I found out people actually make lasagna in a slow cooker, I have to confess, I was a little skeptical. I wondered if it would taste the same as oven-baked lasagna or I need to do something different from the traditional lasagna recipe in order to get the same flavor.
I was surprised to know that it is even easier to make than the traditional recipe because you don’t need to boil the noodles before you add them in a slow cooker and the process is the same than if you would make it in the oven. Ladle tomato sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker, layer the noodles (in this case zucchini noodles), then layer the ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers again and again until all the ingredients are used.
Slow Cooker Lasagna tastes just like the ones we make in the oven with the difference that you can prepare the lasagna in advance (perhaps after your kids go to the bed or before you leave for work) and you are going to be able to enjoy your day and still have a delicious plate of lasagna for dinner!
Probably the flexibility in the timing is the biggest advantage of making your lasagna in a slow cooker. Would you agree?
That’s why I love slow cooker recipes and why I had shared with you guys my 50 healthy slow cooker recipes a while ago. It is a recipe roundup post loaded with delicious and comforting food for you make this fall/winter season.
Depending on how many layers your lasagna has, you can feed an army with this nutritious meal. If you don’t have a big family, you are going to have loads of leftovers for a family of four. I made this lasagna on Sunday and we brought it to work for lunch for 3 days. And I have to tell you, it tastes even better the next day.
For this recipe, I sliced my zucchinis with my mandolin that I got for Christmas from my mother-in-law 2 years ago. I love it just because it makes PERFECT zucchini slices and also makes your work so much easier. I was looking at my mandolin online and I couldn’t find exactly the same one that I have, but I read good reviews about this one from OXO. Use the mandolin for this Spinach and Zucchini Lasagna Recipe and Vegetable Lasagna Roll-ups as well!
Also, just in case you wonder which slow cooker I used for this recipe, I found it on Amazon as well. I love this one because I’ve never had any problem with it. Some slow cookers cook the food faster than it should or runs very hot. I hope you guys enjoy this recipe and give it a try.
And if you’re craving this but want to make it easier? Try this Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna Skillet or Zucchini Lasagna in the oven. Or if you’re in the mood for a more traditional lasagna, try this Skinny Lasagna Rolls.
As usual, I would like to say thank you for visiting my blog and make my recipes. It means a lot to me. Have a wonderful and bright day.
Slow Cooker Zucchini Lasagna
Ingredients
- 15 oz part-skim ricotta
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 4 cups homemade tomato sauce or sugar-free tomato sauce
- 4 medium zucchini sliced 1/8″ thick. (UPDATE: Since some readers are saying that this lasagna become a little soupy I made this lasagna again but this time I grilled the zucchini slices before I put on the slow cooker. It helped to draw out some moisture!
- 16 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, spinach. Stir well and set it aside.
- Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Ladle about 1 cup of homemade tomato sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it well.
- Layer 5 or 6 zucchini slices to cover.
- Place some of the ricotta cheese mixture and top with the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all your ingredients are all used up.
- Top the lasagna with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Turn off the slow cooker and let stand for about 1 hours. (UPDATE: Since some readers said the lasagna became a little soupy, I made it again and I let it stand for about 3 HOURS before serving. I found it was great because the liquid absorbed much more – Please, do not forget this step).
- Before serving top with fresh parsley
Tips
- Instead of parmesan, you can try using mozzarella or cheddar.
- The amount of zucchinis you need will depend on the size of them. While larger ones are great, they are a bit more watery compared to smaller zucchinis.
- To store: Keep in mind that zucchini is a watery vegetable so the longer you store it, the more the texture changes (this is why I don’t recommend freezing this). So, try eating this slow cooker zucchini lasagna immediately or only keeping it for 2-3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
- To reheat: Reheat the lasagna in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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More Zucchini Lasagna Recipes!
Eto says
I was also disappointed with this soupy lasagna :(. Wish I would have read the other reviews before beginning. The next lasagna I make will probably come out of the oven. *Sigh*
Olivia says
I am so sorry, Eto. I don’t know why it become a soupy lasagna, because as you can see by my pictures it is not soupy at all. When it was done I let it in the slow cooker for more 2 hours before serving. Maybe it helped!
Julia says
Another soupy lasagna…. Are you sure you are not doing something different than exaxtly what is listed in your recipe? (Considering I’m not the only one with this issue). Severely disappointing. I’m not a chef in the least but fee it has to be something with the water in the zucchini. I would look into this and adjust your recipe.
Olivia says
Julia, thanks for your feedback. Please, read the instructions again cause I did some updates. Hope it helps 😉
mohammad says
I LIKE YOUR SITE. THANKS
Olivia says
Thanks 😉
Katrina says
When you “let it stand” for 3 hours, is this with the slow cooker setting on warm or completely turned off? Will the food still be hot?
Thanks! Katrina
Olivia says
It is with the slow cooker setting on warm 🙂
Cristina says
Zucchini releases a lot of water when cooking. Before cooking sprinkle with sea salt and let sit for about 10 minutes and then plot excess water with a paper towel. This should help so that it is not so soupy.
Brooke says
Did you try that Cristina, by chance? I’d love to know how it worked!
Holly says
Have you tried this recipe with a pressure cooker?
Olivia says
No, I haven’t tried it. I’m not sure it would work! Sorry.
Brooke says
Hi Olivia,
I’m wondering – could you bake the zucchini before adding to the lasagna? I’m not much of a grille-master and was trying to come up with another alternative. 🙂
Olivia says
Yes, of course you can and you should because it will help zucchini releases water 😉
Brooke says
How long would you suggest baking them?
Olivia says
5-7 minutes!
Gabriela says
I believe that my zucchini lasagna was a success. I bakes zucchini for 15 minutes in the oven. Then I baked them for three hours at high and for another hour without lid! I didn’t have to wait an hour to eat them!
Olivia says
That’s awesome to know that, Gabriela. Thanks a lot for your feedback 😉
Brooke says
Oh interesting Gabriela! So you cooked your lasagna for a few hours in the crockpot and then for an hour with the top removed?
Gabriela says
Exactly Brook!