If you were thinking this was a zoodle lasagna, think again! However, making lasagna in the slow-cooker yields lovely browned edges and a convincing baked flavor. It’s also easier than traditional lasagna because there’s no need to cook the noodles before layering them with the sauce and zucchini; they become deliciously tender during the extended cooking time.

Active time: 15 minutes | Total time: 6 hours

Slow Cooker Turkey Sausage and Zucchini Lasagna

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini (1 1/2 lb or 680g), cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 oz. (340g) bulk Italian turkey sausage
• 1 24-oz. (695g) jar low-sodium marinara sauce 
• 1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped and loosely packed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray
• 10 uncooked dry lasagna noodles (not the no-boil type)
• 1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 6 tbsp (60g) Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Lay the zucchini slices out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for 20–30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before layering

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 8 minutes, or until cooked through with no pink remaining and an internal temperature of 165°F.  Stir in the marinara sauce and remove from heat.

In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, basil, egg, lemon zest, nutmeg, and black pepper and mix well.

Lightly coat a 6–6½-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Ladle ¾ cup of the meat sauce evenly over the bottom of the slow cooker. Add a layer of noodles, breaking them as needed to fit. Top with a layer of zucchini, ¾ cup meat sauce, and ¼ cup mozzarella. Add another layer of noodles. Spread the entire ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Add another layer of noodles, a layer of zucchini, and ¾ cup meat sauce. Add a final layer of noodles and zucchini. Ladle the remaining meat sauce over the top and sprinkle evenly with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan.

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the lasagna is set. Turn off the slow cooker and let stand, covered, for 30–45 minutes before serving.

Serves: 8 | Serving Size: 1/8 of the lasagna

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 374; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 78mg; Sodium: 465mg; Carbohydrate: 32g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 6g; Protein: 20g

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin D: 2%; Calcium: 34%; Iron: 12%; Potassium: 567mg; Vitamin C: 16%

Originally published: October 9, 2018; Updated May 2026

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