Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the perfect cozy meal that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s filled with tender noodles, ground beef,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the perfect cozy meal that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. It’s filled with tender noodles, ground beef, rich tomato sauce, melty cheese, and hints of Italian herbs that make every spoonful feel like a little hug.
I love making this soup on a busy day because it cooks slowly in the crockpot, filling the house with the most amazing smells while I go about my day. It’s such an easy recipe to put together, and it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — trust me, everyone always asks for seconds!
My favorite way to serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup is topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a little extra mozzarella, plus a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s a simple pleasure that turns an easy soup into a perfectly satisfying meal that brings the whole family to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This gives the soup a rich, meaty flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or Italian sausage. Vegetarian? Use cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Lasagna noodles: Broken lasagna noodles work well because they mimic lasagna layers in soup form. You can swap with mafaldine or any short pasta like rotini or penne if needed.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, adding creaminess, while Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. You can use a blend of Italian cheeses or skip mozzarella for a lighter cheese touch.
Marinara sauce and diced tomatoes: These form the base of the soup’s tomato flavor. If you like a chunkier texture, add diced fresh tomatoes before slow cooking. Use homemade sauce or your favorite jarred brand.
How Do I Prevent the Noodles from Getting Mushy in the Crockpot?
Noodles can quickly turn mushy in slow cookers if added too early. To keep them perfect:
- Cook the beef and onions separately first to build flavor and reduce moisture.
- Add uncooked noodles only about 30 minutes before serving; this keeps them tender but not mushy.
- Stir occasionally during that last 30 minutes to prevent noodles from sticking together.
- If you want to prep ahead, cook pasta separately and add it at serving time to maintain texture.
These tips help keep the noodles just right, so you get the comforting texture of lasagna in every spoonful!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and developing deep flavors over time.
- Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and soften the onions before adding to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the soup and breaking up the meat.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to easily add precise amounts of broth, spices, and cheese.
- Cheese grater – for shredding mozzarella and Parmesan fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different twist on the meat flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale in the last 15 minutes of cooking for a boost of green veggies.
- Stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of crushed chili for a little heat if you like spicy dishes.
- Mix in ricotta cheese on top just before serving for creaminess closer to classic lasagna.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) broken lasagna noodles or mafaldine pasta (short curly noodles)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 3 to 7 hours to cook depending on your slow cooker setting.
- Preparation time: ~15 minutes (browning beef, chopping veggies)
- Cooking time: 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low
- Additional 30 minutes cooking with noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute to soften.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Sprinkle in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.
4. Add Pasta and Finish Cooking:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir gently to mix them in, cover again, and let them cook on high for about 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender. Stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Finish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a bright, fresh touch.
6. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your Crockpot Lasagna Soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad to make a complete and cozy meal. Enjoy the warm, comforting taste of lasagna in soup form!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed ground beef. If using frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before browning to ensure even cooking and safe temperatures.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point before adding the noodles, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add and cook the noodles fresh when reheating the soup to keep their texture perfect.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
Can I Substitute Other Pasta for Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! Short, sturdy pastas like mafaldine, rotini, penne, or rigatoni work well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly and add pasta near the end to prevent overcooking or mushiness.
