Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna into an easy, comforting bowl of soup—without the layering, baking, or mess. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that captures everything you love about lasagna: a tomato-rich broth, tender noodles, seasoned ground meat, and a creamy cheese topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Italian comfort food with minimal effort, this slow cooker recipe does the hard work for you.
This soup is incredibly adaptable—you can use ground beef, sausage, or turkey, add your favorite vegetables, and stir in creamy ricotta or mozzarella right before serving. It’s a family-friendly dish that reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or freezing for later. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need something cozy and filling, Crockpot Lasagna Soup delivers classic flavors with none of the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Lasagna Flavors with Less Work – No baking or layering required.
- Slow Cooker Simplicity – Set it and forget it; let the crockpot do the work.
- Comforting and Hearty – A warm, filling meal in every spoonful.
- Customizable – Easily adaptable with your favorite meats, pasta, or cheese.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Onion
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Diced tomatoes
- Chicken or beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Basil
- Bay leaf
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Optional: spinach, red pepper flakes, zucchini
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add lentils or mushrooms for a meaty texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or skip the pasta altogether.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
- Creamier Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta into the broth.
- Cheesy Topping: Melt cheese directly on top just before serving for a “lasagna crust” feel.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot
Add the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker along with crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours to let the flavors develop.
Step 4: Add Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cover and cook until noodles are tender.
Step 5: Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, mix ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Break noodles into small, even pieces for easy eating.
- Add noodles only toward the end to prevent mushiness.
- Use a mix of beef and Italian sausage for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the cheese topping—it mimics classic lasagna’s best part.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking as needed.
How to Serve
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
- Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs.
- Add a side Caesar or green salad for a balanced meal.
- Drizzle with olive oil or balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.
- Perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or game days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool soup completely and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze in individual portions without the pasta for best texture. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowties will work.
2. Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, especially if you plan to freeze leftovers. Add cooked pasta when reheating.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure broth and tomato products are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the cheese topping or use dairy-free alternatives.
5. How do I make it vegetarian?
Omit meat and add lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
6. Can I use pre-made marinara sauce?
Yes, substitute in place of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste for extra flavor.
7. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Simmer on the stovetop for about 45 minutes, adding noodles in the last 10–12 minutes.
8. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—try spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
9. Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes, assemble ingredients (without noodles) and refrigerate. Cook the next day.
10. How do I prevent overcooked noodles?
Add noodles late and monitor for doneness after 20–30 minutes.
Conclusion
Crockpot Lasagna Soup takes the beloved comfort of traditional lasagna and transforms it into an easy, cozy, one-pot meal. With layers of rich tomato flavor, tender noodles, and creamy cheese in every bowl, it’s a recipe the whole family will request again and again. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, this soup is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a stress-free way to enjoy classic Italian comfort any day of the week.
PrintCrockpot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a rich, tomato-based soup that captures all the savory layers of traditional lasagna in a cozy, one-pot format. Packed with seasoned meat, tender noodles, and creamy cheese toppings, this slow-cooked dish delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or whenever you’re craving classic Italian flavors without the fuss of baking.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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4 cups chicken or beef broth
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1 tbsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp dried basil
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1 bay leaf
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 2” pieces
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: 1–2 cups baby spinach, red pepper flakes, zucchini
Instructions
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Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage in olive oil with onion and garlic until browned. Drain grease.
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Transfer to Crockpot: Add meat mixture to slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, seasonings, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
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Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles. Cook until noodles are tender.
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Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
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Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit meat and add mushrooms or lentils.
For best texture when freezing, omit noodles and add freshly cooked ones later.
Use a mix of beef and Italian sausage for deeper flavor.
Add veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
To lighten the dish, use part-skim cheeses and ground turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: lasagna soup, crockpot soup, Italian soup, slow cooker, family meal, easy dinner