Craving all the hearty, cheesy satisfaction of traditional lasagna without the time-consuming layers? Crockpot Lasagna Soup is your answer. This family-friendly comfort dish takes all the classic lasagna flavors—rich marinara, tender noodles, and creamy cheese—and transforms them into a cozy, spoonable meal made right in your slow cooker. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a warm hug in a bowl.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate shortcut for lasagna lovers. It’s quick to prep, easy to clean up, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Set-It-and-Forget-It: Toss in the ingredients, and the slow cooker does the rest.
- All-in-One Meal: Protein, carbs, and veggies—all in a single bowl.
- Versatile: Easily adapted for gluten-free or vegetarian diets.
- Cozy & Comforting: Perfect for fall, winter, or any chilly evening.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike go back for seconds.
What You’ll Need to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings something special to the dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Lean Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and hearty texture.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and aromatics.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings brightness and a hint of sweetness.
- Garlic: Elevates the entire flavor profile with its pungent aroma.
- Beef Broth (Low-Sodium): Forms the rich, flavorful soup base.
- Marinara Sauce: Delivers that signature lasagna taste.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adds body and natural sweetness to the broth.
- Italian Seasoning: Balances the soup with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer.
- Parmesan Cheese Rind (Optional): Infuses the soup with deep, cheesy umami.
- Dried Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces to mimic lasagna layers.
- Ricotta Cheese: Offers creaminess and richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty sharpness and a nutty finish.
- Dried Oregano: Enhances the herb profile in the cheese topping.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Options
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand or want to tweak the recipe? No problem:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: Lighten things up with lean poultry options.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- No Parmesan Rind?: Skip it or add an extra spoonful of grated Parmesan to the soup base.
- Cheese-Free Topping: Use dairy-free ricotta and vegan mozzarella for a lactose-free twist.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup comes together with just a few simple steps:
- Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Break it into crumbles and drain any excess fat. - Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with half the salt and pepper. - Combine in Crockpot
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the remaining salt, black pepper, beef broth, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan rind (if using). Stir to combine. - Add Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the noodles are tender and the soup thickens. - Mix the Cheese Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle hot soup into bowls. Add a generous scoop of the cheese mixture to each serving and top with fresh basil leaves.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Making Crockpot Lasagna Soup is simple, but these tips will guarantee success every time:
- Avoid Overcooked Noodles: Add noodles later in the cooking process if you’re not eating immediately.
- Cheese Dollop Timing: Only add cheese topping just before serving—don’t mix it into the crockpot.
- Boost the Flavor: Use a high-quality marinara or add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Reheat Gently: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the soup’s consistency just right.
Serving Suggestions & Recipe Variations
Turn your Crockpot Lasagna Soup into a full Italian-inspired feast with these ideas:
- Serve With:
- Homemade garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Caesar salad or Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or zucchini
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep the meat and veggie mix the night before.
- Freeze leftovers in single portions for easy meals.
- Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone before serving.
- Low-Carb: Replace noodles with chopped zucchini or eggplant.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup for Every Season
This soup isn’t just a winter comfort food—it’s versatile enough for year-round enjoyment. In colder months, it warms you from the inside out. During busy back-to-school seasons, it’s a weeknight lifesaver. For holidays or gatherings, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that feeds a group.
Bonus: Health Benefits of Crockpot Lasagna Soup
While indulgent, Crockpot Lasagna Soup can also be quite balanced:
- High in Protein: Thanks to the beef and cheese.
- Vegetable-Packed: Onion, pepper, tomatoes, and garlic boost fiber and antioxidants.
- Customizable Nutrition: Use leaner meats, more veggies, or less cheese to adjust as needed.
Conclusion: Why Crockpot Lasagna Soup Belongs in Your Weekly Menu
When life gets hectic and cravings for something warm and satisfying strike, Crockpot Lasagna Soup delivers. It’s everything you love about lasagna—bold tomato flavor, cheesy goodness, hearty pasta—in a much easier, more accessible format. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, planning meals ahead, or just want something cozy without the fuss, this recipe checks all the boxes. Once you try it, this soup will become a staple in your home-cooked comfort food rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I cook Crockpot Lasagna Soup on the stovetop instead?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in a large pot. Then add the broth, marinara, tomatoes, and seasonings. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20–25 minutes. Add the broken noodles and simmer until tender (another 10–15 minutes). Finish with the cheese mixture just like in the original recipe. It’s a faster version with the same comforting flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
The key is timing. If you’re cooking the soup in advance or plan to reheat leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when serving. Alternatively, add the pasta during the last hour of cooking if you’re using the low setting, or in the final 30 minutes on high. Always check noodle texture early to avoid overcooking.
Can Crockpot Lasagna Soup be frozen?
Absolutely! Crockpot Lasagna Soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight, freezer-safe containers. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth to loosen the texture, and consider making a fresh batch of cheese topping when serving.
More Relevant Recipes
- Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup: This rich and satisfying soup blends tender shredded chicken, spices, and creamy broth—perfect for those who love the comforting warmth of Crockpot Lasagna Soup but want a spicy Tex-Mex twist.
- Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup: A quick, hearty soup using rotisserie chicken for deep flavor. It shares the same comfort-food appeal as lasagna soup but with a classic, homestyle touch that’s ideal for busy nights.
- Smoked Sausage Pasta: This easy, creamy pasta dish is perfect for fans of one-pot meals. With savory sausage and rich sauce, it delivers bold flavors similar to lasagna soup in a pasta-forward format.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup delivers all the classic flavors of lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-make soup. It’s rich, hearty, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With a mix of ground beef, marinara, lasagna noodles, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s comfort food at its finest — without the layering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
- 8 oz dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the crockpot. Add remaining salt, black pepper, beef broth, marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan rind. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the broken lasagna noodles evenly.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours, until the noodles are tender and soup is thickened.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano.
- Once the soup is ready, ladle into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils.
- To avoid soggy noodles, add them in the last hour of cooking if needed.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 712 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 2730 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 73 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 58 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg