If youโre looking for a guilt-free, flavor-packed comfort food dinner that basically cooks itself, you have to try Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna. This crowd-pleasing recipe takes all the classic Italian flavors you love and layers them up with colorful vegetables and lighter ingredients, creating a lasagna that tastes decadent but keeps things light. The best part? All the magic happens in your slow cooker, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep Sundays. You wonโt believe how much mileage you get out of just a handful of simple ingredients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna keeps things delightfully simple. Each ingredient earns its place, whether itโs adding that beloved cheesy melt, a pop of freshness, or the hearty base that pulls it all together. Hereโs everything youโll need to create a dish thatโs colorful, cozy, and satisfying:
- Whole wheat lasagna noodles: These form the layers and add a hearty, nutty flavor while boosting the nutrients and fiber.
- Ricotta cheese (part-skim): Lighter than the traditional version but still creates that creamy, dreamy texture you crave.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (reduced-fat): Melts beautifully over the top and ties all the layers together with gooey goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami kick and that classic Italian aroma right at the end.
- Marinara sauce (no sugar added): Brings in rich tomato flavor and keeps the dish feeling fresh and light.
- Zucchini: Thinly sliced, this veggie adds tenderness and subtle sweetness.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down perfectly and brings a pop of vibrant green (and iron!) to every bite.
- Bell pepper (any color): Diced, for a mild crunch and bright, sweet flavor.
- Mushrooms: Sliced, they lend an earthy depth that makes this lasagna taste even more comforting.
- Garlic: Minced, for that essential aromatic punch that makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- Italian seasoning: Dried herbs are all you need to weave those classic lasagna flavors together.
- Salt & pepper: Just enough to bring the flavors to life.
- Fresh basil (optional): For garnishing at the end and bringing a burst of freshness.
How to Make Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Veggies
Start by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Thinly slice the zucchini, dice your favorite color bell pepper, and slice up those mushrooms. Mince the garlic and have the baby spinach at the ready. Prepping everything ahead sets you up for a smooth, stress-free layering process and allows each veggie to shine in the finished dish.
Step 2: Get Your Ricotta Mixture Ready
In a bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese with a pinch of Italian seasoning, a bit of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Give it a good stir so that every spoonful is seasoned, creamy, and ready to bring richness without the guilt to your Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna.
Step 3: Layer Up!
Now comes the fun part: layering. Start by spreading a spoonful of marinara sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker to keep everything from sticking. Place a few lasagna noodles to cover the base (itโs fine if you have to break them to fit). Top with a generous portion of your ricotta mixture, scatter over some veggies and baby spinach, add a layer of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers twice more, ending with noodles, the rest of the marinara, and a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 4: Set and Forget
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4โ5 hours or on high for about 2โ2 1/2 hours. The Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna is done when the noodles are fork-tender and the cheese is delightfully melted and bubbly. Keep in mind that slow cookers can vary, so check it early if itโs your first time making this dish.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the lasagna is cooked through, turn off the crockpot and let it rest (lid off) for about 15โ20 minutes. This makes it much easier to slice and helps the layers hold beautifully. Garnish with plenty of fresh basil, then slice and serve up pure veggie lasagna joy!
How to Serve Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna
Garnishes
Add a sprinkling of fresh chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley for a burst of garden-fresh flavor and vibrant color. If youโre feeling a little fancy, a light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving makes each slice of Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna look irresistible and taste even richer.
Side Dishes
This lasagna plays so well with others! Try pairing it with a crisp arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic green beans, or even a warm, crusty slice of whole grain bread for mopping up all that saucy, cheesy goodness. Your meal will feel like a celebration, without any heaviness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your dinnertime crowd? Serve the Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna in pre-cut squares on a bed of lightly dressed greens for a stunning bistro-style plate. Or, stack the slices and drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze for a dramatic finish. Donโt forget pretty serving platters and your favorite colorful napkins!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna stores like a dream. Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors even meld together beautifully as it sits, making each next-day serving extra delicious.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch ahead, or simply save single servings for lunch down the road, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Slice portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Itโll keep fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual slices until heated through, or pop larger portions into a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350ยฐF until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of extra marinara sauce if desired to keep things nice and moistโthe flavors will be just as lively as day one.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! The Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna is endlessly flexible. Try layering in sliced eggplant, shredded carrots, or chopped kale depending on whatโs in season or in your fridge. Just be sure to keep veggie slices thin for even cooking.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?
Nope! Thatโs part of the magicโthe dry whole wheat lasagna noodles cook perfectly in the crockpot as they soak up all the flavorful sauce. One less pot to wash!
What size crockpot should I use?
A standard 6-quart crockpot works perfectly for this recipe. If yours is smaller, simply scale down the ingredients or plan to make a slightly thicker lasagna with fewer layers.
Can I make Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna dairy-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives and skip the Parmesan, or go for a sprinkle of vegan โParmesanโ for that cheesy bite.
How do I keep the lasagna from being watery?
If your veggies have a high water content, slice them thin and pat them dry with paper towels first. Also, donโt go overboard with the sauceโa little restraint keeps the Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna perfectly sliceable.
Final Thoughts
If youโve been craving cozy Italian comfort food without the fuss (or the calories), Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna is your answer. Itโs the kind of simple, homemade dinner that brings everyone to the tableโand always leaves them asking for seconds. Give it a try and enjoy every guilt-free bite!
PrintSuper Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Super Easy Skinny Veggie Crockpot Lasagna is a wholesome, lighter take on classic lasagna, loaded with fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Made effortlessly in your slow cooker, this comforting main dish saves you time and energy, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Itโs lower in calories and packed with flavor, while still capturing all the cheesy, saucy satisfaction you’d expect from traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Cheese Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta & Layers
- 8–10 uncooked whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Optional for Garnish
- Fresh basil
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and spinach. Toss gently to mix and set aside while you prepare the cheese mixture.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well blended. This will be your creamy cheese layer.
- Layer the Lasagna: Lightly coat the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, breaking to fit if necessary. Top with 1/3 of the cheese mixture, 1/3 of the mixed vegetables, and 1/2 cup of sauce. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the cheese is bubbly. Avoid overcooking as the edges may become dry.
- Rest and Serve: Turn off the crockpot and let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can swap in your favorite vegetables or use what you have on handโjust keep the quantities similar.
- Be sure to use regular lasagna noodles (not oven-ready), as they absorb the sauce best in the crockpot.
- For extra protein, add a layer of cooked lentils or white beans.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and freeze beautifully for easy future meals.
- If using jarred marinara, choose a low-sodium or no-sugar-added option for an even lighter dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
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