If you love the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but want something quicker and fuss-free, this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is your new best friend. Imagine all those rich, hearty layers transformed into a cozy, soul-warming soup you can dump into a slow cooker and forget about until dinner time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just crave that cheesy, tomato goodness without the work of assembling a full lasagna. You’ll love how easy this is!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
This soup brings together ground beef, tomatoes, fragrant Italian seasonings, and broken lasagna noodles that cook perfectly tender right in the pot. The real magic happens when you add the creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan on top—oh, that melty cheese topping takes this from soup to an irresistible comfort meal!
Why This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Rocks
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You brown the meat with onions and garlic, then add everything else to your slow cooker and let it work its magic for hours. No layering or oven time required! Plus, the flavors deepen as it simmers, making leftovers even better the next day. And because it’s so customizable, you can easily swap ingredients or spice it up to fit your taste.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
1. Brown the Meat
Start by cooking your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Adding diced onions here is key—they soften and add sweetness that complements the savory beef. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from getting too oily. Toss in the garlic for the last minute to release that wonderful aroma without burning it.
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot
Add the cooked meat and onions into your slow cooker. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce or paste, and broth—this builds the soup’s rich base. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and dried basil for that classic Italian flavor punch. Don’t forget salt and pepper to season it perfectly, and if you love a little heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition here.
3. Let It Slow Cook
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer lets all those flavors marry beautifully. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing, and you’ll be one step closer to that cozy dinner.
4. Add the Pasta
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. This timing is crucial to prevent them from getting mushy. Keep the lid on and stir occasionally to make sure noodles cook evenly and don’t stick to the sides.
5. Prepare the Cheesy Topping
While the noodles cook, mix together ricotta, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl. This creamy blend is what makes every spoonful feel indulgent and luxurious.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, dollop with your cheese mixture, and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil. Extra mozzarella on top is always welcome. This soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a crisp salad for a full meal that feels like a warm hug.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- Make it Spicy: Swap regular Italian sausage for a hot variety or add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You won’t miss a thing!
- Creamy Twist: Stir in half a cup of heavy cream just before serving for a velvety texture that’s downright irresistible.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or swap the noodles for spiralized zucchini noodles to keep it light and allergy-friendly.
Storage and Reheating
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week. If freezing, leave out the noodles and add fresh pasta when reheating to keep that perfect texture. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna soup with crunchy garlic bread or a side of steamed veggies for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds freshness. And don’t forget an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs just before serving—it’s these little touches that make a big difference.
FAQs You’ll Love
- Can I use different pasta? Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work well and add fun texture.
- How do I keep noodles from overcooking? Adding them in the last 30 minutes is key to perfectly tender noodles.
- Can I skip browning the meat? Browning adds depth of flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can add raw meat directly to the crock pot and break it apart as it cooks.
- What if I want it dairy-free? Use dairy-free cheeses or skip the ricotta topping altogether—still delicious!
- Can I thicken the soup? Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes or add a little cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker texture.
- Want to add more veggies? Bell peppers, spinach, or carrots make great additions and boost nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup feels like a warm hug on chilly nights, with all the familiar flavors of lasagna in an effortless, comforting bowl. It’s easy to prepare, flexible to your tastes, and perfect for feeding a crowd or just yourself. Once you try it, this will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe for busy days when you want big flavor with minimal fuss.
Get ready to cozy up with a steaming bowl of this cheesy, tomatoey goodness—you’re going to love it!
Ultimate Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 pieces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Add water or extra broth if the soup seems too thick.
- Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles cook, mix ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of the cheese mixture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra mozzarella cheese if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
