Skinny Veggie Lasagna

I have received several Facebook messages along with texts about the recipe I cooked last night for dinner. It's super easy and delicious - trust me I asked my husband like five times if he liked it just to be sure! I am a huge pasta fan but when it comes to lasagna it's a different story. Say what? Yes, it's true. I hate Ricotta cheese...the texture really freaks me out and makes me feel all queasy inside. But, last night I overcame my fear and decided to give the whole lasagna thing a try. The best thing about this Veggie Lasagna recipe is the fact that it's all made in the crockpot. Fix it on your lunch break and it's ready to eat by the time you arrive home from your long, stressful day at work. 

Ingredients:

• (2) 24 ounce jars or cans of Italian tomato sauce (I used this)
• 9 thick lasagna noodles with wavy edges (I used this)
• 24 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese or cottage cheese (I used whatever name brand they had but target brand will do)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (I used this)
• 3-4 cups chopped vegetables of choice (I used this)
• Parmesan cheese for topping (I used this)

Instructions:

1. If you do not have crockpot liners, then spray the bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce on the bottom so that the noodles don't stick
2. Break noodles so that they fit and mostly cover the bottom. They will more than likely look a little awkward - not a big deal. Cover with about one third of the ricotta, veggies, sauce, mozzarella, and end with noodles. Repeat layers two to three more time (depending on how deep your crockpot is) End with a layer of noodles on top, covered with a thin layer of sauce and mozzarella. The prep time took me about 20 minutes.
3. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. I cooked it right at 5 and it was perfect. Turn the crockpot off completely and let the lasagna sit for 45 minute to an hour. This allows all the moisture to get soaked into the lasagna, and if you don't do this it will probably be more like lasagna soup. Depending on how long you let it sit, you can either scoop pieces out or just cut with a knife like you would with normal lasagna.

Healthy lunch for the week – check.