Name: Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-489266H57M53S
Total time: PT-489266H57M53S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon avocado oil or olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef (90-93% lean); ½ medium yellow onion, diced finely (¾ cup); 5 garlic cloves, minced (~1 ½ tablespoons); 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon fine salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups water; 3 ounces fresh spinach (2 large handfuls), roughly chopped; 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles (not the ‘No boil’ type), broken into small pieces; 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1 cup cottage cheese, lightly drained if there is a lot of liquid; ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil leaves, optional for garnish

If you’re like me and love classic comfort food without the fuss, this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna simmering away effortlessly while you go about your day—no boiling noodles or babysitting the sauce involved! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dinner for busy weeknights or when you want something cozy and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: You just layer and let the slow cooker do the magic with zero stress.
True Lasagna Flavor: Using real lasagna noodles, rich tomato sauce, and tasty ground beef gives authentic taste without turning on the oven.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this – leftovers rarely last more than a day!
Versatility: You can easily swap in veggies or cheeses to make it your own.

In a black slow cooker, there is a layered dish with a base layer of brown cooked meat mixed with red tomato bits, topped with a thick, melted white cheese layer sprinkled with green chopped herbs and red spices. A wooden spoon lifts a portion showing the brown and red base under the creamy melted cheese, with small green leaves on top. The cooker rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that marry beautifully together—lean beef for heartiness, a flavorful marinara sauce, fresh spinach for a pop of green, and plenty of cheese for gooey goodness. Here are a few tips on key ingredients to keep in mind when you shop.

Ground Beef: I recommend using 90-93% lean to keep some moisture and flavor without too much grease.
Lasagna Noodles: Use uncooked regular noodles and break them into bite-sized pieces; no-boil noodles don’t hold up well in slow cookers.
Marinara Sauce: Choose a quality jarred sauce or homemade if possible, as it forms the flavorful base for the whole dish.
Spinach: Fresh over frozen adds texture and freshness; finely chop so it melds into the layers.
Cottage Cheese: Draining excess liquid helps prevent the lasagna from becoming watery.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: A good balance between melting mozzarella and sharp Parmesan gives that irresistible cheesy top.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic: These aromatics lift the flavor and bring that classic Italian vibe.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. I often like to switch things up with simple swaps that still deliver on comfort and flavor.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies—the slow cooker softens them perfectly.
Cheese Variations: Using ricotta instead of cottage cheese gives it a creamier texture if you prefer that, and sometimes I mix in fresh mozzarella chunks for extra melty pockets.
Ground Meat Swap: Turkey or Italian sausage work well too, just adjust seasoning if you use sausage because it’s usually spiced already.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños in the meat mixture for a little heat my family loves.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding a bit of oil. When hot, toss in your ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I like to break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks and stir occasionally so it browns evenly. This step only takes around 8-10 minutes and is crucial because it builds the flavor base. Once the beef is cooked through and the onions start to soften, drain any excess fat. Do this well – too much grease can make your lasagna soggy.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Next, spray the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add your cooked beef and onion mixture to the bottom. Then toss in the marinara sauce, water, chopped spinach, broken lasagna noodles, and one and a half cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir just enough to incorporate—the noodles will soften and cook as the flavors meld over the next few hours.

Step 3: Add Cottage Cheese and Top with More Cheese

Dollop the cottage cheese gently on top of the mixture, then fold it in very carefully—you don’t want to overmix and lose those creamy pockets throughout the lasagna. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheesy topping browns slightly and adds a perfect finish.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the noodles are tender and everything is bubbling nicely. The exact time varies depending on your slow cooker model, so start checking around the 3-hour mark. When done, turn off the heat and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving—it helps the lasagna set up and makes it easier to cut.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe

Breaking Noodles into Small Pieces: I learned this trick so the noodles cook evenly and fit comfortably in the slow cooker without bunching up.
Drain Cottage Cheese Well: Too much moisture here can make your lasagna watery, so lightly drain if needed.
Don’t Over-Stir After Adding Cheese: Gently folding cottage cheese preserves those lovely cheesy pockets in the final dish.
Cooking Time Matters: Every slow cooker heats differently; start checking noodles at 3 hours to avoid mushiness.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe

A close-up of a black slow cooker filled with layered baked pasta. The bottom layer is a rich red tomato meat sauce with visible chunks of ground meat. Above it is a layer of soft, pale pasta sheets. The top layer is a thick blanket of melted white cheese, creamy and slightly browned in spots, sprinkled with chopped green herbs and red pepper flakes. A wooden spoon lifts a serving, showing gooey strings of melted cheese stretching between the spoon and the slow cooker. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with fresh basil leaves and a little extra grated Parmesan—these add freshness and a burst of color that make the dish really pop on your plate. Sometimes, I also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a hint of heat.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Lasagna pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread on the side to soak up all those lasagna juices. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also work beautifully to lighten the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this lasagna in individual small ramekins instead of the slow cooker directly—makes it feel extra special and helps with portion control. Another fun idea is layering it in a casserole dish and topping with extra cheese for a golden crust under the broiler before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully and often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld even more. Just cover it tightly to preserve moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze this lasagna if you want to prep in advance. I usually portion it into individual servings, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through (usually about 20 minutes). This keeps the noodles tender and cheese melty without drying out the dish.

FAQs

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this slow cooker recipe?

I don’t recommend no-boil noodles for this recipe because the slow cooker’s moisture level isn’t optimal for them to soften properly—they’ll often turn gummy or break apart. Using regular uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, gives the best texture and cooks evenly over the long, low heat.
How do I prevent my slow cooker lasagna from being too watery?

Draining the excess fat from the cooked ground beef and draining cottage cheese if it’s too wet helps reduce extra moisture. Also, avoid adding extra water beyond what the recipe calls for. Letting the lasagna rest uncovered for a few minutes after cooking allows some liquid to absorb or evaporate.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative, and load it up with vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Just adjust your seasonings to keep it flavorful.
How long should I cook this lasagna in the slow cooker?

Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. Since slow cookers vary, start checking at 3 hours to avoid overcooking; the noodles should be tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Ground Beef Recipe takes classic lasagna and makes it incredibly accessible for anyone with a busy life. No boiling noodles, no watching the oven for an hour—just simple prep, slow cooking, and a hearty, cheesy dinner everyone will ask for again. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your favorite slow cooker meal for good. Give it a try and let me know how much your family enjoys it!