Some meals feel like a hug in a bowl, and crockpot lasagna soup is exactly that. Growing up, I watched my Sicilian nonna simmer pots of tomato sauce, the aroma weaving through the house like a warm blanket. While she layered traditional lasagna in her oven, I’ve found comfort in turning those flavors into a simple slow-cooked soup. It’s hearty, cheesy, and effortless; the kind of dish that makes a busy weeknight feel like Sunday dinner. Just like her smothered chicken and rice, this soup brings family together around the table with minimal fuss.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crockpot lasagna soup is a lifesaver when you want all the comfort of lasagna without the layering. You toss everything into your slow cooker, let it simmer, and in a few hours, you have a rich, tomato-based broth filled with tender pasta, ground meat, and plenty of cheese. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and budget-friendly. Plus, unlike traditional lasagna, there’s no juggling of multiple pans or endless prep work. The flavor develops slowly, just like with green bean casserole, creating that homemade taste with barely any effort.
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Crockpot Lasagna Soup
A hearty crockpot lasagna soup with all the flavors of classic lasagna; cheesy, rich, and perfect for cozy dinners.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups chicken broth
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic in a skillet.
2. Transfer meat mixture to the crockpot with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
4. Add broken lasagna noodles 30 minutes before serving.
5. Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. Serve hot with fresh basil and crusty bread.
Notes
To freeze: Cook without pasta, then add fresh noodles when reheating.
Vegetarian option: Use mushrooms or lentils instead of meat.
For spice: Add red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
This soup calls for pantry staples and a few fresh touches. You’ll need ground beef or sausage, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian herbs, chicken broth, and broken lasagna noodles. Toward the end, stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for that signature cheesy bite. The ingredient list is flexible; you can add veggies like spinach or zucchini for a lighter touch. Much like my gnocchi with spinach and feta, it’s a dish that welcomes tweaks without losing its soul.
How to Make This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Start by browning the meat with onion and garlic for depth. Add it to your crockpot along with tomatoes, sauce, broth, and seasonings. Set to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add the pasta so it cooks to tender perfection without turning mushy. Just before ladling into bowls, stir in the cheese blend. It melts into the broth, turning it luxuriously creamy. If you’ve tried my crock pot French dip sandwiches, you’ll know how much the slow cooker can transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Tips and Variations
Want to lighten it up? Use ground turkey and whole wheat noodles. Craving spice? Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up on mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. You can even cook the pasta separately if you plan to freeze portions, so it doesn’t over-soften when reheated. Serving this alongside cheesy garlic chicken wraps makes it a complete comfort meal with balance and variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze crockpot lasagna soup?
Yes, but freeze it without the pasta. Cook fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
Can I cook it on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer on low for about 45 minutes, then add pasta and cheese before serving, similar to how I prepare street corn chicken rice.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meat for lentils or extra vegetables. The flavors still shine beautifully.
What pasta works best?
Broken lasagna noodles are classic, but you can substitute rotini, penne, or ditalini.
Conclusion
Crockpot lasagna soup captures the essence of lasagna in a fraction of the effort. It’s hearty, rich, and endlessly adaptable; a dish that comforts from the first spoonful to the last. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a cozy bowl for yourself, this recipe makes dinner both simple and memorable. Pair it with crusty bread on the side for a warm, complete meal.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
