16oz.lasagna noodles(uncooked) I use Barilla brand - Regular lasagna noodles, not no boil noodles.
Meat Mixture
1lb.lean ground beef
1white oniondiced
1tsp.salt
½tsp.ground pepper
2tsp.Italian seasoning
½tsp.garlic powder
48oz.Rao's Marinara Sauce(two 24-oz. jars)
1cup water
Cheese Mixture
2large eggs
2cups shredded mozzarella
15oz.whole milk ricotta
1cupshredded parmesan
½tsp.salt
1tsp.dried parsleyor dried oregano or Italian seasoning
½tsp.garlic powder
Topping
2cups mozzarella cheese
dried parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet brown the meat with the onion. Season the meat with the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook your beef until no longer pink. You shouldn't have to drain your meat unless you use very fatty beef.
Pour the marinara sauce in, along with the water. Stir and set aside.
In a medium sized bowl. Whisk the 2 eggs with a fork. Now add the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Add the salt, parsley and garlic powder, stir.
Before you start layering. Separate the lasagna noodles into 4 evenish piles. Every box varies. I usually do 4-5 noodles per layer depending on how many noodles are in the box each time I make it.
Spray slow cooker with non stick spray. Now it's time to layer. The exact layers are listed below:
1.5 cups meat sauce mixture (bottom layer) 4-5 lasagna noodles, can be broken up and can be stacked (1/4 of the box)1.5 cups meat sauce1/3 of the cheese mixture (dollop it on, then spread it out)4-5 lasagna noodles (1/4 of the box)1.5 cups meat sauce1/3 of the cheese mixture4-5 lasagna noodles (1/4 of the box)1.5 cups meat sauce1/3 cup cheese mixture4-5 Lasagna noodles (1/4 of the box)Remaining meat sauce - This will be a little over 2 cups; use it all.2 cups mozzarella - Sprinkle evenly on top.
Cook on LOW for 4 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
Serve and enjoy! Sprinkle with parsley if desired for garnish.
Video
Notes
If your layers get out of order, don't fret. It will still turn out great!
Rao's sauce can be spendy. I find it drastically cheaper at Walmart compared to other stores and be sure to stock up if you ever see it on sale. The flavor of it can't be beat.
Tempted to make changes to the recipe? Be careful to make changes for this recipe has been tested and has the perfect amount of liquid to cook the noodles properly.
If you are used to more beef in your lasagna, you can use two pounds of ground beef instead of one. (Or use one pound of Italian sausage and one pound beef!).
If you want a lasagna just like grandma made, use cottage cheese instead of ricotta!