Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it simmer into a rich, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. For more delicious pasta variations, try this Spinach Mushroom Lasagna or this easy Baked Ziti.

Ingredients

This comforting slow cooker lasagna soup fills your kitchen with the incredible aroma of Italian herbs and simmering tomatoes, promising a rich and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort.

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)
• 1 pound lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
• 1 cup grated mozzarella
• ½ cup ricotta

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours
Total Time	4 hours 15 minutes

Context: This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes since you can simply set it and forget it.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and crumbled, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup from becoming too oily.

Step 2 — Combine Soup Base in Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker. Add 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce, 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of beef broth, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3 — Cook on Low Heat

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the flavors are well blended and the onions are tender. This slow cooking process develops the rich, lasagna-like taste that makes this an easy family dinner idea.

Step 4 — Prepare Pasta Separately

About 30 minutes before serving, cook 8 ounces of mafalda, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy in the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.

Step 5 — Add Final Ingredients

Stir the cooked pasta into the soup along with 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on HIGH until the spinach has wilted. The spinach should be bright green and tender when properly incorporated.

Step 6 — Make Cheese Topping

While the soup finishes, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil in a small bowl. This creamy mixture replicates the cheesy layer of traditional lasagna.

Step 7 — Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. For extra richness, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella before serving.

Step 8 — Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover soup and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat soup on the stovetop over medium heat until steaming (165°F), then add freshly cooked pasta. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	14g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey — Lighter protein option with a mild flavor that absorbs Italian seasonings well.
• Plant-Based Ground — Vegan-friendly swap that mimics the texture of ground beef without animal products.
• Zucchini Noodles — Low-carb alternative to pasta that adds freshness and vegetable servings.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use brown rice or lentil pasta to make this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup celiac-friendly.
• Nutritional Yeast — Dairy-free cheesy flavor boost for those avoiding lactose or following vegan diets.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Reduces salt content while maintaining savory depth in the soup base.
• Whole Wheat Pasta — Higher fiber option that provides more nutrients than traditional lasagna noodles.
• Cottage Cheese — Lower-fat creamy alternative to ricotta with similar texture and protein benefits.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for dipping into the rich tomato broth.
• Pair with a simple green salad tossed with Italian dressing to balance the hearty, comforting flavors of the soup.
• For a complete Italian dinner, accompany with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
• Top individual bowls with a generous sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a dollop of ricotta for authentic lasagna flavor.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekend meals when you want minimal effort with maximum comfort.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve in deep bowls to contain the broth and keep all the delicious ingredients together in every spoonful.

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup makes an easy family dinner that brings all the classic lasagna flavors into a simple, comforting soup format perfect for any night of the week.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta, turning it mushy. Fix: Add uncooked pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it al dente.
• Mistake: Using lean ground beef only, which can lack flavor. Fix: Brown a mix of beef and Italian sausage for richer, more authentic lasagna taste.
• Mistake: Skipping the cheese layer step, resulting in a bland top. Fix: Stir in half the mozzarella, then top with the rest before serving for perfect melt.
• Mistake: Adding all the liquid at once, making the soup too watery. Fix: Start with less broth; you can always add more if the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup thickens too much.
• Mistake: Not seasoning in stages, leading to flat flavor. Fix: Season the meat when browning and again before serving to build depth.
• Mistake: Using no-boil lasagna noodles whole, which clump. Fix: Break noodles into small pieces so they cook evenly and absorb broth better.
• Mistake: Forgetting to deglaze the skillet after browning meat. Fix: Scrape those flavorful browned bits into the slow cooker for a more robust base.
• Mistake: Overloading the slow cooker, slowing cook time. Fix: Keep ingredients ½–⅔ full for this Easy Family Dinner Idea to cook evenly and safely.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early, causing curdling. Fix: Stir in ricotta or cream at the end, off heat, for a smooth, creamy finish.
• Mistake: Using watery canned tomatoes without adjusting. Fix: Drain diced tomatoes or use tomato paste to thicken your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup properly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave until the soup reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For best results, stir the soup well when reheating to redistribute the creamy cheese and pasta evenly throughout this easy family dinner.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is the ultimate easy family dinner idea, delivering all the comforting flavors of lasagna with minimal effort. If you love this recipe, try our Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe or Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef for more cheesy pasta dishes. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What can I use instead of lasagna noodles?

You can substitute broken lasagna noodles with other pasta like mafalda, campanelle, or even penne. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft in your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.

How can I thicken my Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

If your soup is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the hot soup. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mash some of the cooked noodles and tomatoes against the pot side.