Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a simple, one-pot meal. Made with ground beef, rich tomato sauce, Italian seasonings, and tender pasta, this slow cooker soup is perfect for cozy nights or easy meal prep. Top it with melted cheese for the ultimate bowl of comfort!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – Just dump the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook.
- All the flavors of lasagna – Without the layering or extra prep work.
- Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Customizable – Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Basil
- Salt and pepper
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with diced onions until browned. Drain any excess grease and transfer to the crock pot.
- Add Ingredients: Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Pasta: In the last 30 minutes, add the broken lasagna noodles and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional mozzarella if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream before serving.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over zucchini noodles.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work well.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting too soft?
Add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from overcooking.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?
Yes, replace the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce with your favorite marinara.
What’s the best meat to use?
Ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey, or a combination all work great.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for about 30 minutes before adding the pasta.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cheese or skip the ricotta topping.
Do I have to brown the meat first?
It’s recommended for better flavor, but you can add raw meat directly and break it apart as it cooks.
How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes before serving, or add a cornstarch slurry.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or carrots add extra nutrition.
What’s the best way to serve this soup?
With garlic bread, a side salad, or topped with extra cheese.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that delivers all the deliciousness of lasagna with minimal effort. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this soup is sure to be a hit. Enjoy it with cheesy toppings and your favorite sides for the ultimate cozy meal!
Print
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Lasagna Soup is a slow cooker version of the beloved Italian dish—rich, hearty, and packed with ground beef, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, and a cheesy topping. It’s perfect for chilly nights and requires minimal effort!
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 1/2 cups water (if needed, for extra broth)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Garlic bread on the side
Instructions
-
Cook the beef:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) with diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
-
Assemble in the slow cooker:
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the crock pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
-
Add the noodles:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles and stir. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender.
- Add extra water or broth if the soup gets too thick.
-
Prepare the cheese topping:
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Set aside.
-
Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with garlic bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Options: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Make Ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months (without the noodles).