Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Is Your Slow Cooker Just for Stews? This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe Shatters Expectations

Think your crockpot is only good for pulled pork and chili? Think again. This ingenious Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe transforms the classic Italian casserole into a hands-off, soul-warming soup that delivers all the rich, cheesy, meaty flavors you crave without the fuss of layering. It’s the ultimate comfort food hack for busy weeknights.

By letting your slow cooker do all the work, the flavors have hours to meld together, creating a depth that stovetop versions simply can’t match. You get tender pasta, a robust tomato and herb broth, and that signature cheesy topping, all with minimal effort. It’s the cozy, satisfying dinner you’ve been searching for.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe combines savory ground beef, rich marinara, and tender pasta, all simmered to perfection and finished with a creamy, cheesy topping that makes every spoonful irresistible.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing

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

Context: This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes that require traditional lasagna assembly and baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown one pound of ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. For the best flavor, ensure the meat is well-browned and no pink remains, which should take about 7-10 minutes.

Tip: Draining the excess fat after browning will help prevent your Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe from becoming overly greasy.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add one diced onion and three minced garlic cloves to the same skillet with the meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This step builds a deep flavor base for your soup.

Step 3 — Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the meat and onion mixture to your crockpot. Add one 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 6 cups of beef or chicken broth, one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4 — Slow Cook the Soup Base

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. The soup is ready when it’s hot and bubbling.

Step 5 — Add the Pasta

Stir in 8 ounces of broken lasagna noodles or mafalda pasta. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Tip: For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta. It should be tender but still have a slight bite.

Step 6 — Prepare the Cheese Topping

While the pasta cooks, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil in a small bowl. This creamy mixture will be dolloped on top of each serving.

Step 7 — Finish and Serve

Turn off the crockpot and stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Ladle the hot Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture.

For the ultimate experience, let the cheese melt slightly into the hot soup before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fat	14g
Fiber	4g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or Chicken Sausage — Swap traditional Italian sausage for lean ground turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat while keeping the savory flavor profile.
• Zucchini Noodles — Replace lasagna noodles with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb, gluten-free option that adds freshness.
• Plant-Based Ground — Use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian or vegan protein boost with a similar texture.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Opt for almond or cashew-based cheese to make this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe dairy-free without sacrificing creaminess.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Choose a low-sodium vegetable or beef broth to control salt intake while maintaining the soup’s rich base.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta — Substitute regular noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added fiber or dietary needs.
• Extra Vegetables — Boost nutrition by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more vitamins and texture.
• Greek Yogurt Topping — Use plain Greek yogurt instead of ricotta or sour cream for a protein-rich, tangy garnish with fewer calories.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair it with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light Italian vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors.
• Top each bowl with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an authentic lasagna experience.
• This soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening or for a casual potluck gathering.
• For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
• Ladle into deep bowls to contain all the delicious, brothy goodness and cheesy toppings.

This easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any casual weeknight meal or a relaxed weekend lunch with friends.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta until mushy. Fix: Cook noodles separately and add them to each bowl just before serving.
• Mistake: Using lean ground beef that becomes tough. Fix: Opt for an 80/20 blend and brown it thoroughly first for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early, causing it to curdle. Fix: Stir in ricotta or mozzarella cheese at the very end, after turning off the heat.
• Mistake: Not layering flavors, resulting in a bland soup. Fix: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the Crockpot to build a deeper flavor base.
• Mistake: Skipping the broth-to-tomato ratio balance. Fix: Use a 3:2 ratio of broth to crushed tomatoes for the perfect lasagna soup consistency.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season in stages. Fix: Season the meat and vegetables while browning, then adjust the overall seasoning again before serving.
• Mistake: Overfilling the slow cooker, leading to uneven cooking. Fix: Never fill your Crockpot more than two-thirds full to ensure proper heat circulation.
• Mistake: Using the wrong pasta shape that doesn’t hold up. Fix: Choose sturdy pasta like mafalda or campanelle instead of delicate noodles that fall apart.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For best results, add fresh pasta and cheese when reheating your Crockpot Lasagna Soup to maintain ideal texture.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with minimal effort. It’s the perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights. Give this easy recipe a try, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your review! Subscribe for more simple and delicious slow cooker ideas.

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FAQs

Can I make this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it as directed, let it cool completely, 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.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles in this slow cooker recipe?

Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Break them into smaller pieces before adding to the Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavorful broth without becoming mushy.

How can I make this soup thicker, like traditional lasagna?

To thicken your Crockpot Lasagna Soup, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste or a small amount of cornstarch slurry during the final cooking stage.