Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy, hearty, and satisfying dish that brings all the bold Italian flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, comforting bowl. Instead of layering noodles, meat, and cheese into a casserole, this recipe simplifies the process by turning it into a one-pot meal that cooks low and slow in your crockpot. The result? A rich, tomato-based broth filled with seasoned ground meat, tender pasta, creamy cheeses, and savory herbs—all without turning on the oven.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, cold winter days, or when you’re craving comfort food without the fuss. Just a few minutes of prep in the morning and your slow cooker does the rest, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and even better the next day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a recipe that checks all the boxes. With all the flavor of traditional lasagna and a fraction of the effort, this dish is a new favorite waiting to happen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Prep – Just brown the meat, toss in the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
2. Classic Lasagna Flavors – All the familiar taste of lasagna with way less work.
3. One-Pot Meal – Easy cleanup and fewer dishes to wash.
4. Perfect for Make-Ahead – Great for meal prep, and leftovers taste even better.
5. Customizable – Adapt to your dietary needs with gluten-free pasta or plant-based meat.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or Italian sausage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken or beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Basil
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Lasagna noodles (or any pasta)
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
• Cheese Options: Swap ricotta with cottage cheese or use a dairy-free cheese blend.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini ribbons or cauliflower florets.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage with chopped onion and garlic until browned. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Add to Crockpot

Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes).

Step 3: Slow Cook

Stir well and cover. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Step 4: Add Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Cook until pasta is tender.

Step 5: Stir in Cheeses

Before serving, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan. Add dollops of ricotta to each bowl when serving, or mix it directly into the soup for extra creaminess.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh parsley and more cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Break noodles into small pieces to make them easier to eat and serve.
• Cook pasta separately if you plan to freeze the soup to avoid sogginess.
• Add fresh spinach in the last 10 minutes for extra nutrition.
• Use a combination of ground beef and sausage for more flavor depth.
• Let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving to thicken slightly.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in bowls with a generous dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
• Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
• Add a simple side salad to make it a full meal.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
• Offer extra grated Parmesan at the table for cheese lovers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze the soup without the pasta for best texture. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water. For microwave, heat in 1–2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. Can I cook the pasta in the crockpot?

Yes, just add it during the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.

2. What pasta works best?

Traditional lasagna noodles are great, but any short pasta like rotini or penne works too.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely—use meatless crumbles or load up on vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.

4. How do I prevent soggy noodles?

Cook pasta separately if making ahead or freezing, and add just before serving.

5. Is it okay to use jarred marinara sauce?

Yes, you can substitute crushed tomatoes with marinara for extra flavor.

6. Can I use ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, both are lean alternatives to beef or sausage.

7. Can I skip the ricotta?

Yes, though it adds richness. You can use cottage cheese or just top with mozzarella.

8. How can I thicken the soup?

Let it simmer uncovered for a bit or stir in a bit more cheese at the end.

9. Is this soup spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage—it’s easy to adjust the heat level.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to handle the volume.

Conclusion

Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution when you want all the flavor of lasagna without the layers, effort, or oven. It’s a cozy, one-pot wonder that’s easy to prepare, simple to customize, and irresistibly comforting. With rich tomato broth, cheesy goodness, and tender pasta, every spoonful is a taste of homemade Italian comfort. Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining, this soup is bound to become a regular in your slow cooker rotation. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the first bowl!

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