In a large skillet, brown meat over medium-high heat until it is golden brown, breaking up the meat. Beef will not be cooked completely, but it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain off excess fat but leave meat in the pan.
Sprinkle the ground beef with spices and cook one minute. Then add vegetables and cook another minute or two.
Add tomato sauce and tomato paste. Turn heat to low and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In another bowl, combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and the egg. Stir well.
Spray a 5-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray. Make layers in the insert in this order: tomato sauce, 2 layers of noodles, cheese mixture, then repeat, ending with sauce.
Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours. Add the final layer of mozzarella and continue to cook 1 more hour.