If you love lasagna but want a hands-off version, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a game-changer. I first made it on a busy weekday morning—tossed everything in the slow cooker and came home to the irresistible smell of simmering tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. With tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and hearty meat, this soup tastes just like lasagna but without the effort. It’s family-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy dinners on chilly nights.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken or beef broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat. Transfer meat mixture to crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, add broken lasagna noodles and stir. Once noodles are tender, stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until creamy. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot with crusty bread.
Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Swap lasagna noodles with penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta. For vegetarian, skip meat and add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Dairy-free cheese alternatives also work well.
Equipment
Crockpot or slow cooker
Skillet for browning meat
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze soup without noodles for up to 2 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stove or in the crockpot, adding broth if soup thickens.
Top Tips
Brown meat before adding to crockpot for richer flavor. Break noodles into bite-sized pieces before cooking. Stir cheese in at the end for maximum creaminess. Garnish generously with fresh herbs for authentic flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, just add noodles when reheating to keep them from overcooking.
Do I need to cook noodles separately? No, they cook directly in the crockpot during the last 30 minutes.
Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, skip the meat and add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
What can I serve with it? Garlic bread or a fresh salad makes the perfect pairing.