Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Craving lasagna but short on time? This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of rich tomato broth, tender pasta, savory ground meat, and gooey cheese come together in a single pot for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing for a cozy night in, this slow cooker recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—you’ll get all the flavor without the hassle of layering or baking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: Let the crockpot do the work for you while you go about your day.
- Classic Lasagna Flavor: A comforting mix of pasta, meat, tomato sauce, and cheese in every spoonful.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, with customizable toppings for everyone.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
- Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles (or pasta). Cover and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Mix Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until smooth.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or black pepper to the mixture for extra flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and add a dollop of the cheese mixture to each bowl.
- Garnish: Top with additional shredded cheese or fresh basil for extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta at the end to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use Quality Marinara: A good-quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of the soup.
- Customize Your Meat: Swap beef for ground turkey, sausage, or a mix for a unique twist.
- Cheese Hack: Add the cheese mixture to the whole pot if you’re serving a crowd for an even cheesier experience.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta.
- Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for more heat.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving for a richer broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, substitute dried herbs with double the amount of fresh herbs. Add them toward the end of cooking to retain their flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy pasta?
Cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Omit the cheese mixture or use dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-free version.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe combines the hearty satisfaction of lasagna with the convenience of a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Soup
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- For the Cheese Topping
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker. - Assemble the Soup in the Crockpot
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken or beef broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together to combine. - Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and cook:
Low: 6-7 hours
High: 3-4 hours
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender. - Prepare the Cheese Topping
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside. - Serve the Soup
Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls.
Add a dollop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture to each bowl.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Garnish with additional parsley or fresh basil for extra flavor.