Lasagna - in a slow cooker!

There's nothing better than opening the door after work to the Italian fragrance of a luscious, ready-to-eat dinner. Get out the wine, salad and bread. Perfect!

Slow cooker lasagna

• 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 32-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 cup onion, minced
• 1/2 box lasagna noodles, broken in half
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded, separated
• 1 container (15 ounces) cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Grease the inside of slow cooker with cooking spray.
2. In medium bowl, combine and mix well: beef, sauce, garlic, spices, and onion.
3. In another medium bowl, combine 1 cup Mozzarella cheese and all the ricotta cheese.
4. In slow cooker, layer beef, noodles and cheeses, creating several layers. End with beef mixture.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
6. Remove lid. Top with reserved 1 cup Mozzarella cheese. Let stand about 10 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Cut into pieces to serve.

Pick up your ingredients at DeVitis Italian Market at 560 E. Tallmadge Avenue in Akron. Hours are Monday - Saturday 8:30am to 6pm and Sunday 9am to 1pm