Crockpot lasagna soup is a rich, hearty, and comforting dish that delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soup features tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, cold weather, or when you’re craving lasagna without the hassle of layering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off – The slow cooker does all the work.
- Comforting & Hearty – A warm, filling meal packed with lasagna flavors.
- One-Pot Meal – No need to cook pasta separately!
- Customizable – Use different proteins, veggies, or cheese.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
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
- Oregano
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Salt & black pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Brown the Meat – In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess grease.
- Slow Cook the Soup – Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add the Pasta – About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender.
- Make the Cheese Topping – In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: Up to 8 hours
Variations
- Spicy Version – Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup – Swap beef for mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
- Creamy Version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Low-Carb Option – Use zucchini noodles instead of lasagna noodles.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or serve over rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing – Freeze without the pasta for up to 3 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cheese topping or use dairy-free alternatives.
Do I have to cook the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the meat first enhances the flavor and prevents excess grease.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Add the pasta only in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Simmer everything for about 30 minutes, then add pasta and cook until tender.
What’s the best broth to use?
Beef broth adds richness, but chicken or vegetable broth also works.
Can I add spinach or kale?
Absolutely! Stir in fresh spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Top with extra mozzarella and broil for a melty, cheesy crust.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to blend them and add extra seasoning.
What can I serve with lasagna soup?
Garlic bread, salad, or roasted veggies make great sides.
Conclusion
Crockpot lasagna soup is the perfect blend of ease and comfort, delivering all the delicious flavors of lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl. Whether you make it for meal prep or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a no-fuss lasagna night!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup has all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna but in an easy, one-pot soup! Made with ground beef, tomatoes, pasta, and creamy ricotta, it’s a cozy, comforting meal perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Ricotta Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add to slow cooker – Transfer the beef mixture to the crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add pasta – About 30 minutes before serving, add broken lasagna noodles and stir. Cook until pasta is tender.
- Prepare ricotta topping – In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, parsley, and salt.
- Finish the soup – Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan until melted.
- Serve & enjoy – Ladle soup into bowls, top with a scoop of ricotta mixture, and enjoy!
Notes
Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or a mix of beef and Italian sausage.- Pasta Tip: If making ahead, cook noodles separately and add before serving to prevent overcooking.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more nutrition.