Freezer Crock Pot Lasagna

Lindsay over at Passionate Homemaking is having a Nutritious Freezer Meals Carnival today, so I thought I'd share one of my favorite convenience meals.

I usually make about three of these lasagnas at one time and place them all in the freezer. They make great dinners for the days when we're we'll be away from the house or just busy all day.

First things first, take a look at your crock pot and find a freezable container that will fit inside the bottom of your crock. I normally use one of our round Corningware or Pyrex dishes. Line your dish(es) with foil and spray or rub with oil. Now you're ready to make your freezer crock pot lasagna(s).

Freezer Crock-Pot Lasagna (vegetarian)

8 oz. whole wheat lasagna noodles (cook for only 4-5 minutes, then immerse in cold water, they'll finish cooking in the crock pot)
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic gloves, minced
1 large jar/can spaghetti sauce (whichever is your favorite, we usually use some type of garden veggie sauce)
1 cup water
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 Tbsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
4 cups (16 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (12 oz) small-curd cottage cheese (or 3/4 c. cottage
cheese & 3/4 c. ricotta)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a skillet, cook onion and garlic over medium heat until onion is tender and translucent. Add the tomato sauce, water, tomato paste and salt; mix well. Spread a fourth of the sauce in your prepared dish. Arrange a third of the noodles over sauce (cut/tear the noodles if necessary). Combine the cheeses, oregano, and eggs; spoon a third of the mixture over noodles. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining sauce. cover with foil and place in freezer overnight. In the morning remove foil covered lasagna from dish, place in a freezer Ziploc bag, label, and return to freezer.

The morning you want lasagna for dinner: Remove foil from lasagna and place the lasagna in the crock-pot (completely frozen). Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until noodles are tender.

Serves 6-8 (5 quart Crock pot)

I normally use this same recipe (or some variation) but place it in 2 or even three containers, with fewer layers, since I'm only feeding 3 people and I use a 3 1/2 qt crock pot. In the small crock pot this lasagna defrosts and cooks in about 5 hours on Low.

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This post also contributed to Kitchen Tip Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, & Tasty Tuesday.

Try this general concept with your favorite lasagna recipe. I'd love to hear about your results.