Experience the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy nights. This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup brings together tender noodles, savory browned meat, and a rich tomato broth layered with Italian seasoning and plenty of cheese.
Perfect for easy meal prep, this slow cooker recipe lets the ingredients meld all day to create a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that will warm your soul with every spoonful.
- Effortless slow cooker meal that captures all the classic lasagna flavors without the fuss.
- Hearty and filling with tender noodles and savory meat in a rich tomato broth.
- Versatile for any occasion—comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (500 g / 1 lb): Provides a flavorful, meaty base with a savory richness that defines the soup.
- Medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it slowly cooks.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3–4): Imparts aromatic warmth and sharpness to balance the tomato flavors.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 800 g / 28 oz): Forms the hearty, rich tomato base full of umami.
- Tomato sauce (1 can, 400 g / 14 oz): Enhances the soup’s smooth texture and tangy tomato flavor.
- Beef or chicken broth (4–6 cups): Adds depth and smoothness, adjusting consistency to your preference.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that layers classic Italian flavor throughout.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Fine-tunes seasoning and enhances all ingredients.
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (250–300 g / 8–10 oz): Provides tender pasta chunks that mimic classic lasagna sheets in the soup.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1–2 cups): Melts into creamy, gooey perfection for cheesy indulgence.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds salty, nutty notes and boosts umami flavor.
- Fresh basil or parsley, optional for garnish: Brightens the final dish with herbal freshness and color.
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onion
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Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or Italian sausage with finely chopped onion. Browning the meat first unlocks deep, savory flavors and the onions soften, creating a flavorful base. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy before transferring the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Sauce, Garlic, and Seasonings
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Stir in minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper to the meat in the slow cooker. Combining these now allows the flavors to gently infuse over the cooking period, building a rich and aromatic broth with a perfect balance of herbs and tang.
- Slow Cook to Develop Flavor
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully, tenderizing the ingredients and creating a hearty, comforting soup reminiscent of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering.
- Add the Broken Lasagna Noodles
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About 30 to 40 minutes before serving, stir in the broken noodles. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape. Adding noodles late prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy, preserving a pleasant texture in the final dish.
- Finish with Melted Cheese
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Just before serving, stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The cheese enriches the soup with gooey, luscious layers that create the signature lasagna feel in every spoonful.
- Serve and Garnish
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Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. The herb garnish adds a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color to complement the rich, cheesy soup.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you need a gluten-free option; add them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce when adding broth and seasonings.
- To make the soup creamier, stir in dollops of ricotta or cream cheese just after melting the shredded cheeses.
- This soup pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
The noodles may absorb extra broth when stored, so thin with a splash of broth or water if needed when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup warm with a side of garlic bread to soak up every delicious drop. Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced, comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy.
- Brown the meat with onions to develop deep flavor before slow cooking; skipping this step results in less flavor.
- Breaking the lasagna noodles into pieces rather than using smaller pasta helps retain the classic lasagna texture.
- Adjust broth quantity to reach your preferred soup consistency, starting with less and adding more as needed.
FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
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Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative while still providing good flavor. Just brown it thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker.
- How long can I keep leftovers?
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Refrigerated leftovers are best consumed within 3 days to maintain quality and safety.
- Can I freeze this soup?
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It can be frozen without noodles to prevent textural changes. Add fresh noodles when reheating after thawing.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
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You can simmer all ingredients on the stove in a large pot for 45 minutes to 1 hour, adding noodles toward the end until tender.
- Can I add vegetables to this soup?
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Absolutely! Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added with the tomatoes to increase nutrition and flavor complexity.
- Is this soup spicy?
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By itself it is mild, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer heat.
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker for cooking the soup
- 1 skillet to brown the meat and onions
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 can
- 14 oz tomato sauce 1 can
- 4-6 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8-10 oz lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef or Italian sausage with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 to 40 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue cooking until noodles are tender.
- Just before serving, stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta as a noodle substitute if needed; add near the end to avoid overcooking.
- For added heat, include red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Stir in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier soup variant.
- Serve with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
