Tuesday, January 29, 2013

"Whadda We Eatin' Wednesday" #3 - CROCK POT LASAGNA!

Hiya "Home Girls"

Hope you are having a great week so far!

Welcome to our third "WHADDA WE EATIN' WEDNESDAY"!  

Today I am featuring a meal that I made for my family this past Sunday for our Sunday Family Dinner  (you can catch the tablescape for this family dinner HERE. if you're interested.)

Everyone absolutely loved this CROCK POT LASAGNA!

Yes, I know, it sounded a little unorthodox to me too when I first heard about it.  But when I found it on Pinterest and visited the blog of the person who made it, everyone was just raving about it in the comments section.  Now that I've tried it, it is my new GO-TO lasagna recipe.  I modified mine just a little because I have a larger crock pot.




I tweaked the recipe a little bit from the original recipe that I found here.  

Here are the ingredients I used:

1 pound of ground turkey  (I used closer to 2 pounds because my crock pot was a little bigger)

1 jar (24-29 oz) of your favorite pasta sauce  (I added another 1/2 jar..again, because of the size of the crock pot....and because I LOVE meat sauce!  haha!)

1 small can of tomato sauce

1/2 cup water

1 8 oz box of lasagna noodles - regular, uncooked 

4-5 cups of Mozzerella cheese

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

Grated parmesean cheese.

Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika to taste
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First, brown the ground turkey in some olive oil, garlic powder, italian seasoning and paprika to taste.  They make a great meaty flavor that takes away some of the "bland" taste of the turkey meat and makes it taste more like ground beef, in my opinion.

Then add the pasta sauce, tomato sauce and water to the mix and just let it simmer a few minutes..

Then, mix the cheeses 4 of the 5 cups of Mozzerella and the cottage cheese...I also added a little garlic powder, italian seasoning and 1/2 cup of grated parmesean and parsley to taste and got out my HANDY stick blender!!!  It made a great cheesy fill!



Then on to the layering....spray the Crock Pot with cooking spray throughout the inside of the pot.




Then add 1/4 of the meat mixture...

That's the first Layer.   On top of that, break apart 1/3 of your lasagna noodles and place them on top...making sure as much of that meat mixture is as covered as you can make it.



Then it's time to top that with 1/3 of the cheese mixture.


Repeat the process 2 more times, then top with the remaining 1/4 of the meat mixture.   Cover and put it on low in the crock pot for 3.5 hours.   At the 3.5 hour mark, put in some more mozzerella cheese and cook for another 1/2 hour.

On the original recipe, Katherine mentioned that she cooked the lasagna on high while she was getting ready for work and then turned it on WARM for the rest of the day while she was gone, and it also turned out great.

Now, when the lasagna is done cooking, you may see some liquid on the top like I did...from the cheese and perhaps from the sauce or meat.  I went ahead and put a layer of grated parmesean on top of the Mozzerella and it mixed in so nicely...almost creating a swirl-like effect on the top of the lasagna!

I pulled the crock pot off the base, brought it in and just set it on my buffet, got a big spoon and VOILA!   It was perfect!  You're supposed to take off the cover and let this set for at least 10 minutes after it's done.  Then you're ready to eat!




I can not tell you how happy I was that everyone loved it. Especially considering this is the first lasagna I've ever made!  I can't imagine making it any other way now! 

My dad, a gourmet cook, was throwing around the idea of making this recipe for a potluck he was going to soon.   He couldn't believe how good it turned out, in the CROCK POT!!!  haha!

Even my kids, who told me long ago that they HATED lasagna, said they LOVED this and both asked for seconds!

I will also say, we had just a little leftovers on this, because we all totally indulged on this lasagna, but when I reheated the leftovers, I thought they were just as yummy, if not better the next day!

Thanks so much for joining me!  If you have made this recipe, or plan to, I'd love your thoughts and any tweaks you did/do.  I'd also love for you to come on by my Facebook Page, where I'll host some fun conversations and keep you posted on what's going on at the "Home Girl's" Home!  =D

Also, if you are liking these posts, I'd love to have you follow my blog.  If you're also a blogger, I'd be happy to follow you back and we can keep up with eachother!  =D

Have a great rest of the week!

~The "HOME GIRL"

This post is being added to....
Foodie Friday
Link Party
Be Inspired Friday
Time To Shine
Pinterest Party
Pin Me Linky Party
Saturday Showcase
Strut Your Stuff Saturday
Weekend Wrap Up
Your Great Idea Link Party
A Pinteresting Link Party
Get Schooled Saturday
Masterpiece Monday
Sunday Showcase Party
Test Meal Monday
On the Menu Monday
Clever Chicks Blog Hop
Tuesday Confessional
Crock Pot Recipe Link Party






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44 comments:

  1. Shabby Brocante, KarenJanuary 30, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    YUM! I love lasagne and there is nothing like a homemade one! I have never done it in the Crock-pot. Can't wait to try it!
    Karen

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  2. The HOME GIRLJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:11 AM

    Hey Karen! Lasagne is the best! I'm so happy I found an easy way to make it. My father gave my brother and sis-in-law a great way to make lasagna too, but it takes her all day to put it together. This was so easy to do! Let me know what you think of it if you do try it out! Hope you have a great day! Thanks again for stopping by! =D

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  3. Sassy Southern LadyJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:18 AM

    My kind of meal. I love using my crockpot.

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  4. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:37 AM

    Wow, I have seen recipes for this but never had the nerve to try it! Now that I have heard the results from you, I am putting this on my to do list! Thanks so much!
    Jenna

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    1. The HOME GIRLJanuary 30, 2013 at 2:44 PM

      Hey Jenna! No problem..I was a little nervous to try it too, but I've kind of warned my family...We're trying new recipes for the Sunday Family Dinner....some will be great, some may be a trainwreck...I always try to have some back up easy food ready JUST IN CASE...haha! But so far, everyone has liked it. Hope you enjoy it! Let me know how it turns out for you! =D

      Delete
  5. Linda @ A La CarteJanuary 30, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    I would so love to try this recipe and using the turkey instead of ground beef sounds so good. I'll let you know when I try this!

    hugs, Linda

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    1. The HOME GIRLJanuary 30, 2013 at 2:46 PM

      It really was yummy with the turkey meat! I am really trying to make more things with ground turkey these days! It's cheaper and healthier that ground meat, from what I hear, and I am glad I found some spices and stuff to make it taste a little more like the ground beef. =D Thanks for checking it out! I look forward to hearing how yours turns out!

      Delete
  6. xinexJanuary 30, 2013 at 7:47 PM

    Yum! This looks really good!... Christine

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    1. The HOME GIRLJanuary 31, 2013 at 4:42 PM

      Thanks Christine! I have to say this was such a treat and so much easier than I thought! Thanks for your visit! =D

      Delete
  7. JacquelineJanuary 31, 2013 at 10:08 AM

    What a beautiful recipe and that sounds so nice and easy and great to come home to in this awful weather we are having here. I am beginning to understand "comfort foods" a lot more with cold, cold, cold and snow, snow, snow!

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    1. The HOME GIRLJanuary 31, 2013 at 4:43 PM

      Hi Jacqueline! Ah yes, we don't even live where it gets cold anymore, but I still need my comfort foods...haha! Thanks so much for your visit and your comment! =D

      Delete
  8. Creating Through LIFEFebruary 1, 2013 at 5:12 AM

    I'm so happy you and your family enjoyed it! Thanks for linking back to my blog.

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 1, 2013 at 7:06 AM

      Thank YOU for posting this great recipe!!! I just loved and it's so great to have a nice homemade lasagna recipe that my whole family loves! Thanks for stopping by!! =D

      Delete
  9. Donna~One Simple Country GirlFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:55 AM

    This looks scrumptious! I've saved it to my favorites file and plan on trying it this week. I love your blog and am your newest follower! Found you via Debbiedoo's Pinning Party! Have a great day!

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:09 PM

      Hey Donna! So glad you came by! Let me know how yours turns out! I know I'll be making this recipe at our house often! It was so easy and delicious! Looking forward to following your blog right back and keeping up with what you're doing!!! =D

      Delete
  10. UnknownFebruary 2, 2013 at 11:38 AM

    What a great idea, we love lasagna and would be great to come home to this after the end of a long day of work... and the smell! YUM! We would love it if you would link up at our new linky party: Two Girls and a Party Hosted by:
    Dana @ This Silly Girl's Life
    Parrish @ Life with the Crust Cut Off
    We hope to see you there!

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 2, 2013 at 1:10 PM

      Hi Dana! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment! I'll definitely check out your link party! I just love being part of them and seeing the great ideas everyone puts up! Thanks for letting me know about it! =D

      Delete
  11. UnknownFebruary 2, 2013 at 8:37 PM

    Looks great! I am all about easy :)

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  12. Brenda @ Chatting Over ChocolateFebruary 3, 2013 at 10:49 PM

    YUM! Looks delicious!! :)

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:50 AM

      Thanks Brenda! It was one of the best lasagnas I'd ever had and it was so easy! Thanks for stopping by! =D

      Delete
  13. Countrified HicksFebruary 3, 2013 at 11:20 PM

    Oh, wow! This looks delicious. I would love for you to come over to my blog hop and share this there!
    http://countrifiedhicks.blogspot.com/2013/02/mondays-with-countrified-hicks-blog-hop.html

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:52 AM

      Thanks Countrified Hicks! I'll definitely come by and check it out! =D

      Delete
  14. DianeFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:33 AM

    Thanks for sharing, looks delicious and easy to do....my kinda cooking!

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 4, 2013 at 1:41 PM

      Thanks Diane! That's my kinda cooking too. I don't usually make stuff that has too many weird ingredients that are hard to find, so this was right up my alley! Thanks for stopping by! =D

      Delete
  15. L.A.February 4, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    I have NEVER made lasagna but this recipe looks awesome! And totally do-able. Thanks so much for sharing! Check out my favourite crock pot recipe http://westcoastleslie.blogspot.ca/2011/03/chicken-divan.html

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 5, 2013 at 12:28 PM

      Hi L.A! I think you'll like this recipe...I'm also all about easy, and this was definitely easy! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comment and recipe! I'll definitely check this out as I love Chicken Divan! Have a great week! =D

      Delete
  16. Lisa LynnFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:20 PM

    What a great idea! I found you on the Clever Chicks Hop and I would love to have you join the fun on my Creative HomeAcre Hop!
    http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/02/the-creative-homeacre-hop.html

    Hope to see you there!

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 5, 2013 at 12:29 PM

      Hi Lisa!

      Thanks for stopping by! I'll come on by and check out your blog hop! I love them! =D

      Delete
  17. Lazy Budget ChefFebruary 5, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    When I make crockpot lasagna I skip oiling the crockpot. The nonstick results are the same as when I remember to oil the crockpot.

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 5, 2013 at 12:30 PM

      Hi LBC! That's good to know! I'll have to try that for a future recipe and see how it works. I have a feeling you're absolutely right! =D Thanks so much for stopping by and for the suggestion! Have a great week!

      Delete
  18. Vicky @ Mess For LessFebruary 5, 2013 at 9:01 PM

    Love how gooey and cheesy this looks. Aren't crock pots the BEST? Pinning now! Visiting from a Pinteresting party.

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:40 AM

      Hi Vicky! Yes, I just LOVE my crock pot! I wish I would have started using it much sooner! Thanks so much for coming by and for pinning this recipe....it really is so easy to make..I hope you love it as much as we did! Have a great weekend! =D

      Delete
  19. Diana of Diana RamblesFebruary 7, 2013 at 7:54 PM

    Howdy Home Girl! This looks really yum! I shop at Aldi too! Thanks for linking up at my Pin Me Linky Party. I am not following you!

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:45 AM

      Hey Diana!!! Thanks for coming over for a visit! I'm a HUGE fan of ALDI too! I could go on and on about all the money I save shopping there. Thanks for hosting such a fun party...I've found lots of great "pins" there and look forward to checking more out! Thanks for following me. I'm following you as well! =D

      Delete
  20. Kathy Shea Mormino, The Chicken ChickFebruary 9, 2013 at 11:34 PM

    Thanks for linking up with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week! I must try lasagna this way- it's fairly labor-intensive otherwise.

    Have a great week!
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 10, 2013 at 7:42 AM

      Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for stopping by! That is why I also had never made lasagna. I had been told it was quite the process, so when I saw this recipe I thought I'd try it...and I'll never make Lasagna any other way again! haha! Have a great weekend!

      Delete
  21. Susie @bowdabraFebruary 10, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    Thank you for linking up your awesome project! We've already got our next Showcase up, so come stop by and link up another project!

    Have a great week!
    Susie@bowdabra
    http://bowdabrablog.com/2013/02/09/saturday-showcase-craft-project-linky-19/

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 18, 2013 at 7:47 PM

      Thank YOU Susie for setting up this Link Party! I am pretty sure I posted on your newest party and am already looking forward to the next one! Have a great week!!! =D

      Delete
  22. Katie B. of HousewifeHowTos.comFebruary 18, 2013 at 5:12 PM

    Wow, I can't wait to try this! We love lasagna, but it's really not one of those dinners you make at the end of a busy day. Being able to start it in the crock pot in the morning? That's priceless, I tell ya!

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    1. The HOME GIRLFebruary 18, 2013 at 7:49 PM

      Hi Katie! I hope you enjoy it! It really is a yummy meal and so much easier than making lasagna the "traditional" way! It is nice to be able to start it in the morning and have it waiting for you at the end of a busy day! =D Hope you have a great week! Thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting! =D

      Delete
  23. Ang ParisApril 15, 2013 at 1:56 PM

    I love lasanga but not so much the time it takes.... this is AWESOME! Thanks so much for linking up on the Crockpot link party & giveaway with us!
    Happy Monday!
    ang
    jugglingactmama.blogspot.com

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  24. UnknownOctober 24, 2013 at 10:44 AM

    This is the first time I have seen a crock pot lasagna! We love lasagna and so I am going to try it. I agree that that turkey meat needs some help in the flavoring department, I am gonna try this next week. Beautiful pictures also, thanks!

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