Slow Cooker Lasagne | Slow Cooker Recipes NZ

I love it when my supermarket has best quality mince on sale, I only have a little freezer, but I always stock up!  When you have a slow cooker, you can make the most amazing dinners with mince - all while you do something else all day.  If you haven't tried the Porcupine Meatballs yet, do give that a go, I am still making it once a week - by popular request - we really love it!

Another soon to be popular, I'm sure is this super easy slow cooker lasagna.  Tip - check the ready made  pasta sauce in jar area of your supermarket, on the bottom shelf do they have a cheap as chips 'own brand' tomato, onion type of basic pasta sauce in a 700-800ml tall glass jar?  That's what you need, grab it - actually grab two!  It's perfect for the Porcupine Meatballs and also for this dish.

Slow Cooker Lasagne

Serves 4-6
Cooks on low in 8-9 hours

Beef Layers

500g best quality mince
700-800ml glass jar of pre-made pasta sauce
2 tsp mixed or Italian herbs
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 Tblsp garlic granules or 2 cloves, crushed
2 Tblsp Worcester sauce

250g dried (uncooked) lasagne shapes or strips

Cheese Sauce Layer
2 tsp cornflour
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup grated cheese
paprika to dust top with

• Spray slow cooker base and turn on to high to start it heating up.
• Add the 6 items in the beef layer to a large mixing bowl and mix until thoroughly combined.
• Add one third of the beef layer to the slow cooker base.
• Top with half of the broken up lasagne pieces.
• Add the second third of the beef layer.
• Top with the remaining pasta shapes.
• Add final third of the beef layer.
• Make the cheese sauce layer by mixing the cornflour, egg and milk together, whisk while heating over a medium heat until it's a smooth sauce, add the cheese and stir/whisk until cheese has melted and the sauce is a smooth consistency.  Pour over meat layer and sprinkle with a light dusting of paprika.
• Cover, turn the slow cooker down to low and cook for 8 to 9 hours.

A simple, budget friendly, family friendly recipe that is easily made for a wonderful mid-week meal.  Serve with salad and garlic bread.

Lasagna, like meatloaf, is a great base to sneak extra veggies into too.  Add a finely grated carrot or courgette to the meat - finely chopped celery and or green pepper works well too.  You could even add another layer, try tinned or fresh sliced mushrooms or a layer of baby spinach leaves.  Each variation adds a new dimension, new flavours and adds extra nutrition for your family.  I have not added a layer of cheese or cheese sauce with each meat layer to keep the cost and the fat down.  Cheese has become so expensive, I find it is better for the budget and the arteries to add a little of the quality stuff, than use more of the cheaper stuff, but that's entirely your call.  Make it how you think your family will enjoy it best!

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Find more slow cooker recipes for Kiwis, Aussies (and other cooks who use metric measurements) here at... Slow Cooker Recipes NZ - and check this out - the easiest way to see all my Slow Cooker Recipes!