Slow Cooker Eggplant Lasagna

Easy slow cooker eggplant lasagna recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Loaded with layers of eggplant slices, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and noodles.

Eggplant does not get enough credit in the culinary world, in my opinion. If you have never given it a chance, then this recipe is the best introduction to it you can get. It’s layered with all the goodness of traditional lasagna, plus the bonus flavors of hearty, delicious aubergine. This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is another delicious twist on a classic recipe without all the layering.

Easy Eggplant Lasagna in Black Slow Cooker- Overhead Shot

How To Make Slow Cooker Eggplant Lasagna Recipe From Scratch?

Salt eggplant slices– The, rinse and pat them dry.
Make cheese mixture-By mixing together ricotta cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg.
Assemble in crockpot- Spread out marinara sauce, add noodle strips, spread cheese mixture, arrange eggplants, spread marinara sauce, add noodle strips, spread cheese mixture, sprinkle shredded cheese, arrange eggplants, add marinara sauce, sprinkle more shredded cheese, add noodle strips, spread marinara sauce.
Cover and cook– For about 2 hours.
Add more cheese– I used a combination of mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover and cook– Until cheese is fully melted.
Garnish– With fresh parsley or basil.

What Sides To Serve With Italian Vegetarian Eggplant Lasagna?

You can’t go wrong with more vegetables alongside this dish since it is a heavier recipe:

Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
Salad, especially Caesar salad or even a pasta salad
Roasted vegetables
Onion rings
French fries
Sweet potato fries

You can also serve it with bread such as:

Breadsticks
Dinner rolls
Garlic bread
Ciabatta bread
Biscuits

Spoonful of Cheesy Vegetarian Lasagna in Black Slow Cooker

How Do You Cut Eggplant For Lasagna?

You can either cut it in long thin strips or cut it in circles. I prefer circles because it is easier to serve this way. Place the eggplant on a cutting board and cut off the edges and discard them. Then, use a sharp knife to cut even slices that are about half inch thick.

How To Layer Lasagna?

Start with a layer of sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and then eggplant. Then a layer of sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and then shredded cheese. Then a layer of eggplant, sauce, cheese, noodles, and sauce. Finally, top it off with another layer of shredded cheese.

Why Do You Salt Eggplant? Do You Salt Both Sides?

Salting it draws all of the excess water out of the aubergine so that it doesn’t get soggy and water down the lasagna. Yes, salt both sides to remove as much of the water as possible.

Do You Rinse Eggplant After Salting?

Yes, rinse it or else the dish will be way too salty.

Variations For Crockpot Aubergine Lasagna

Vegan lasagna– Use vegan cheeses instead of dairy based cheeses.

Saute eggplant– On the stovetop first before adding to the slow cooker for more flavor. If you are short on time, feel free to skip this step.

Add meat– Just note that the meat must be cooked before adding to the lasagna.

Low carb lasagna– Omit the lasagna strips and add more cheese. Note that the cooking time will be shorter.

Use roasted eggplants- Roast the slices in the oven before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds yet another layer of flavor.

Use fried eggplants– Batter and fry the the slices before layering it in the crockpot.

Add other vegetables– Such as frozen spinach. Make sure to drain the excess water from the spinach first.

Eggplant zucchini lasagna– Add slices of zucchini along with the eggplant for added nutrition and flavor.

Make it spicy– Add 1/4 tsp red chili flakes for mild heat.

Add other seasonings- Such as Greek, Cajun, or even Mexican seasoning.

Add other cheeses– Such as asiago or provolone.

Add mushrooms– For an even heartier version of this dish.

Replace some of the marinara sauce with meat sauce- Use this Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce recipe.

Add pesto– Between every few layers, spread some pesto sauce. You can also replace marinara sauce with pesto sauce for a completely different flavor.

Tips And Techniques

Don’t use whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna strips– The cooking times will be different for those kinds of pasta strips.

You cannot use noodles instead of lasagna strips– Because they will over-cook in the slow cooker.

Do you peel eggplant? No, the peel holds it all together so it doesn’t fall apart in the slow cooker.

Why is my lasagna watery? How to fix it? If you don’t salt and pat dry the eggplant slices, it can become too watery. Do not skip this step! If it is too watery, continue cooking the lasagna with the lid off to evaporate some of the liquid or bake it uncovered in the oven for a few minutes.

Why is my lasagna dry? How to fix it? Make sure to add all of the marinara sauce and cheese in order to prevent the lasagna from drying out. Also, don’t over-cook the lasagna because this will also dry it out.

Spray the bottom of the crockpot with oil– Because this ensures that the lasagna doesn’t stick to the bottom and burn.

What size slow cooker to use? I recommend a 6 quart or larger. Anything smaller would not make for a beautiful presentation.

How to know when lasagna is done? It’s ready when noodles are softened and cooked through and cheese is fully melted.

Homemade marinara sauce vs. Store-bought sauce– Either can be used.

Use full fat cheeses- For maximum richness and creaminess.

Adjust amount of garlic and Italian seasoning- Add more or less to your liking.

Closeup Shot of Spoonful of Aubergine Lasagna Over Black Crockpot

Storage

Refrigerate– In a sealed container for up to 2 days.

Freeze– You can freeze individual slices of the lasagna by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then storing them in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheat– Thaw in the refrigerator, and then reheat in the oven or microwave.

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