If you’re craving all the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic Italian lasagna but want something quicker and fuss-free, let me introduce you to the ultimate cozy meal: the Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe. This dish captures everything we love about lasagna—rich meat, tangy tomatoes, melty cheeses—but transforms it into a hearty soup that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd with minimal effort, this soup delivers big flavor with a warm hug in every bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe just right comes down to a few simple, essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the savory browned beef to the comforting blend of cheeses, every element works together to create that perfect lasagna experience in soup form.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, hearty protein and a savory base for the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth after sautéing with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives an irresistible aroma and bold flavor kick.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Brings tangy, robust tomato flavor and beautiful color.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates the luscious, soupy consistency and deepens the meaty taste.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds classic Italian herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Boosts the savory, aromatic profile of the soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Introduces a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Stirred in for creamy richness and that signature lasagna texture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving stretchy, cheesy goodness.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The pasta element that turns this into a true lasagna experience.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to perfectly balance all the flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. This step is crucial—it fully develops the meat’s flavor and adds richness to your soup. Don’t forget to drain the excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your perfectly browned beef into the slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and if you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors so they can mingle during cooking.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, turning the soup into a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with classic lasagna taste.
Step 4: Add the Lasagna Noodles
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Giving them this cooking time lets the noodles soften perfectly without getting mushy, maintaining just the right amount of bite in your soup.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses and Season
Just before serving, swirl in the creamy ricotta and the shredded mozzarella cheese. This final cheesy addition brings incredible richness and that iconic lasagna melt. Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper to perfectly suit your palate.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowls with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, or a swirl of extra ricotta. These little touches add color, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor that make each spoonful a delight.
Side Dishes
While this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread is pure magic. The salad brings a refreshing crunch, while the garlic bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that cheesy, tomatoey broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic feel. You can even layer it in clear glass mugs to show off all those beautiful layers and textures—such a treat for the eyes and the tummy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain its rich flavors and keep that cheesy goodness fresh. Just be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup might thicken slightly over time.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When thawed, the texture of the noodles may soften a bit more, but the flavor remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of beef broth or water helps restore the soup’s original consistency. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top when warm, and watch it melt for a lovely, fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that still provides great flavor and protein. Just be mindful it cooks faster, so adjust your browning time accordingly to avoid drying it out.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients together in a large pot on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, adding the noodles about 20 minutes before the end of cooking. Just keep a close eye to prevent sticking.
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of dried broken ones?
Fresh noodles work wonderfully and tend to cook faster. Add them closer to the end of cooking time—about 10-15 minutes before serving—to ensure they don’t get mushy.
Is the red pepper flakes’ heat necessary?
Not at all. The red pepper flakes are optional and just add a subtle kick. You can leave them out if you prefer a milder, kid-friendly version of this soup.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply swap the ground beef for mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors will stay rich and hearty, just without the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm hug and a celebration all at once. It’s simple to put together, incredibly versatile, and endlessly comforting. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, I promise this soup will quickly become a go-to favorite. So grab your slow cooker and give it a try—you’re in for something truly delicious!
Print
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Crock Pot Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a warm and satisfying soup. Ground beef, aromatic herbs, and tender tomato broth cook slowly for a rich depth of flavor, while broken lasagna noodles and creamy cheeses add traditional texture and indulgence. Perfect for an easy, filling meal with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Seasoning
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to prevent greasiness in the soup.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together to blend flavors.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours to develop rich flavors, or on high for 3-4 hours if you are short on time.
- Add lasagna noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir the broken lasagna noodles into the soup. This allows them to cook until tender without becoming too mushy.
- Finish with cheese and seasoning: Just before serving, stir in the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for the beef for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover soup keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To save time, brown the meat directly in the slow cooker if it has a sauté function.
