Description
A comforting slow cooker lasagna made with seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, tender noodles, spinach, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups water
3 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup cottage cheese, lightly drained
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
2. Add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook while breaking the meat apart with a spoon for about 8–10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are tender.
3. Lightly grease the inside of a slow cooker and transfer the cooked beef mixture to the bottom.
4. Add marinara sauce, water, chopped spinach, broken lasagna noodles, and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine evenly.
5. Spoon cottage cheese over the mixture and gently fold it in slightly without fully mixing.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours until noodles are tender.
8. Turn off the slow cooker, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Break lasagna noodles into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
Avoid cooking on HIGH to prevent overcooked noodles.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Category: One-Pot & Easy Meals
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American