Slow Cooker Lasagna with Spinach Recipe

If you’re like me and love the comfort of traditional lasagna but don’t love the fuss, then you’re going to adore my Slow Cooker Lasagna with Spinach Recipe. It’s the perfect way to get all those rich, cheesy flavors with way less hands-on time. Plus, the spinach gives it a fresh, slightly earthy twist that really takes it to the next level. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to easy dinner!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve picked ingredients that blend seamlessly for a creamy, cheesy, and saucy lasagna experience right in your slow cooker. Getting fresh spinach and good quality marinara really lifts the dish, so keep an eye out for those while shopping.

• Avocado or Olive Oil: Using a heart-healthy oil gives a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Lean Ground Beef: I prefer 90-93% lean so there’s enough flavor but not too much grease to drain off.
• Yellow Onion: Finely diced so it cooks evenly and melts into the sauce for sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds that classic Italian warmth—don’t skip it!
• Dried Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of herbs that ties together the beef and tomato sauce beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning all the layers properly.
• Marinara Sauce: A quality jar of marinara saves time while giving you that bold tomato base.
• Water: Just a bit to keep everything moist and tender during slow cooking.
• Fresh Spinach: I use two big handfuls for color, nutrients, and a lovely fresh contrast.
• Uncooked Lasagna Noodles: Break them into smaller pieces to fit and cook evenly—make sure they are not the no-boil kind.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for gooey melty goodness mixed throughout and sprinkled on top.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and subtle tang; draining excess liquid prevents the lasagna from being watery.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that salty, nutty finish that makes every bite sing.
• Fresh Basil (Optional): I love to garnish with basil because it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby aroma.

Variations

I absolutely encourage making this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Spinach Recipe your own! You can tailor it easily depending on your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped ground beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils before, and it still turned out super hearty and delicious.
• Extra Veggies: Adding zucchini or bell peppers works great if you want more color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat—I find it adds a lovely depth.
• Low-Dairy Option: Using part-skim mozzarella and skipping the cottage cheese with extra ricotta works well for me when I want a lighter version.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding a quick spray of cooking oil. Toss in the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your spoon to break the meat up and stir occasionally so it cooks evenly. I like to cook it until the onions are just softened and the meat is fully browned—this usually takes 8 to 10 minutes. Once that’s done, drain any excess fat to keep it lean and clean tasting.

Step 2: Assemble Your Layers in the Slow Cooker

Spray your slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Add the cooked beef mixture to the bottom, then pour in the marinara sauce and water. Toss in the chopped spinach and broken lasagna noodles next, followed by 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella. Give everything a good stir so the noodles start to soften and the spinach mixes through evenly.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Cheese Layers

Dollop cottage cheese evenly over the mixture, then fold it in gently—don’t mix it in fully because you want the creamy pockets to stay intact as it cooks. Finally, sprinkle your remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheese crust on top gets so delightfully golden after slow cooking!

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking. When done, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set up beautifully.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with a handful of fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that fresh, bright finish. Sometimes, I add a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil for shine and richness—it just elevates the whole plate.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with this are a simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread. The salad balances the richness perfectly, and the bread soaks up all the leftover sauce—total comfort food heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual mini slow cooker inserts or ramekins for personalized portions—with fresh herbs and a Parmesan crisp on top. It always feels like a restaurant-worthy presentation that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even better overnight, so it’s a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I portion the lasagna into freezer-safe containers before cooking or freeze the cooled, cooked portions after. It freezes well up to 3 months and thawing it overnight in the fridge the day before works best.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the container with foil and bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but I recommend uncovering for a minute or two to keep the cheese from becoming too rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Lasagna with Spinach Recipe has become one of those comforting weeknight staples for me. It packs so much flavor with so little effort, and the way the spinach sneaks in some green goodness makes me feel like I’m doing something good for my family. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it fits effortlessly into your dinner rotation—just like it did for mine!

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