Crockpot Lasagna Soup takes all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic lasagna and transforms them into a warm, easy-to-make soup. Packed with tender noodles, seasoned ground meat, tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese, this dish offers everything you love about lasagna without the layering and baking. It’s the perfect slow-cooker meal for busy days when you want something filling and flavorful with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Flavor, Less Effort: No layering or baking—just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Comfort in a Bowl: Rich tomato broth, gooey cheese, and tender pasta make this soup incredibly satisfying.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or make-ahead meals.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will love.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ground beef or Italian sausage
- yellow onion, chopped
- garlic, minced
- crushed tomatoes
- tomato paste
- diced tomatoes
- beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- salt
- black pepper
- lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ricotta cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- grated Parmesan cheese
- chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion until fully browned. Add garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat.
- Add to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue cooking until noodles are tender, about 20–30 minutes.
- Cheese It Up: Before serving, stir in a dollop of ricotta for creaminess. Ladle soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 to 8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: Approximately 6.5 to 7.5 hours
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a veggie version.
- Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or use cream cheese instead of ricotta.
- Pasta Swap: Use any short pasta like rotini or bowtie if you don’t have lasagna noodles.
- Low Carb: Replace pasta with chopped zucchini or serve the soup as is without noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without noodles for best texture. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
FAQs
Can I cook the noodles separately?
Yes, cooking the noodles separately helps avoid overcooking if you plan to store or freeze the soup.
Do I have to brown the meat first?
Browning adds flavor and removes excess fat, so it’s highly recommended for the best results.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken is a great lean substitute for beef or sausage.
What type of cheese is best for topping?
A blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta gives you that classic lasagna taste and texture.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer all ingredients (except noodles) for 30–40 minutes, then add noodles and cook until tender.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
Will the noodles get mushy?
If left in the crockpot too long, yes. To prevent this, add them toward the end or cook separately.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, but break them into smaller pieces and monitor them closely as they may cook faster.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the base without noodles and add cooked pasta when reheating.
Conclusion
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a delicious, fuss-free way to enjoy the comforting taste of lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy to customize, and makes amazing leftovers. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding your family, this slow-cooker soup is bound to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintCrockpot Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6–7 hours (depending on cooking temperature)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting dish packed with all the flavors of traditional lasagna but in soup form. It’s made easy in the slow cooker, perfect for busy days when you want a warm, filling meal without much effort. A family-friendly dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
-
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
-
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
-
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
-
4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
-
1 teaspoon dried basil
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
1 bay leaf
-
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
-
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
-
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or Italian sausage) with the diced onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
-
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the crockpot.
-
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, basil, oregano, thyme, sugar, and bay leaf to the crockpot. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper.
-
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours.
-
About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
-
Once the noodles are tender, remove the bay leaf and stir in the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and combined.
-
Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and let it melt befo
Notes
You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well!
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
You can use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *