Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

Think you need hours of layering and baking to enjoy authentic lasagna flavor? What if you could achieve that same rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying taste with just minutes of prep and the magic of your slow cooker? This incredible Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe delivers all the classic comfort of the traditional dish in a wonderfully easy, spoonable form.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe simplifies the entire process. By letting your slow cooker do all the work, the flavors have hours to meld together, creating a soup that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Get ready to fall in love with this deconstructed, utterly delicious take on a family favorite.

Ingredients

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe comes together with layers of rich, savory flavors, combining classic lasagna components into a comforting, spoonable meal.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	4 hours
Total Time	4 hours 15 minutes

Context: This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to streamlined prep and hands-off slow cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown one pound of ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. For the best flavor, ensure the meat develops a golden-brown crust, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease before transferring the meat to your crockpot.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add one diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3-4 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step builds a deep flavor base for your Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe.

Step 3 — Combine Soup Base in Crockpot

Add the sautéed aromatics to the crockpot with the browned meat. Pour in one 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce, 6 cups of beef or chicken broth, one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4 — Add Herbs and Seasonings

Stir in 2 teaspoons of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional), and salt and black pepper to taste. For a fresher herb flavor, you can add fresh basil at the end of cooking instead.

Step 5 — Slow Cook the Soup

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the flavors are fully melded and the liquid is hot and bubbling. Avoid overcooking to prevent the herbs from becoming bitter.

Step 6 — Cook the Pasta Separately

About 20-30 minutes before serving, cook 8 ounces of broken lasagna noodles or mafalda pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and do not add it to the crockpot until you are ready to serve to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Step 7 — Prepare the Cheese Topping

In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. For a smoother consistency, you can add a tablespoon of milk. This mixture will be dolloped on top of each bowl.

Step 8 — Combine and Serve

Stir the cooked pasta into the hot soup in the crockpot. Let it sit for 5 minutes to warm through. Ladle the Crockpot Lasagna Soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella.

Step 9 — Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover soup and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat until steaming, then stir in the pasta to warm through. The cheese topping should be added fresh when serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	18g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean Ground Turkey or Chicken — A lighter protein swap that still provides savory flavor without the higher fat content of beef.
• Plant-Based Ground — Ideal for a vegetarian or vegan version, offering a meaty texture with less saturated fat.
• Zucchini Noodles or Spiralized Veggies — A low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, adding freshness and reducing calories.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use brown rice or lentil pasta to make this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe gluten-free while keeping a familiar texture.
• Dairy-Free Cheese — Nut-based or soy cheeses melt well for a creamy, lactose-free finish.
• Low-Sodium Broth and Tomatoes — Reduce salt without sacrificing depth by choosing no-salt-added versions of these key ingredients.
• Extra Vegetables — Boost fiber and nutrients by adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers directly into the soup.
• Greek Yogurt Instead of Ricotta — For topping, use plain Greek yogurt as a protein-rich, lower-fat alternative to traditional ricotta cheese.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the rich, tomato-based broth.
• Pair with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a light Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Top each bowl with an extra dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of fresh basil, and additional shredded mozzarella for a true lasagna experience.
• Perfect for a cozy family dinner on a chilly evening or for feeding a crowd at a casual potluck gathering.
• For a complete meal, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
• Ladle into deep, wide bowls to accommodate all the delicious noodles, meat, and cheesy toppings.

This easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe is incredibly versatile and satisfying for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta, turning it mushy. Fix: Add the noodles in the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to keep them al dente.
• Mistake: Using the wrong type of tomato product, making the soup too acidic or watery. Fix: Opt for crushed tomatoes or high-quality tomato sauce for a richer, balanced base.
• Mistake: Not browning the meat first, resulting in a greasy, bland flavor. Fix: Always brown your ground beef or sausage to render fat and develop a deeper taste.
• Mistake: Skipping the cheese layer step, so it melts into one clump. Fix: Stir in part of the ricotta and mozzarella at the end, saving some for fresh garnishing.
• Mistake: Adding dairy too early, causing it to curdle. Fix: Incorporate cheeses and cream after turning off the heat to maintain a smooth texture.
• Mistake: Overfilling the slow cooker, leading to uneven cooking and potential spillover. Fix: Never fill your crockpot more than two-thirds full for best results.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season in layers, ending up with a flat-tasting soup. Fix: Season the meat and broth at different stages, tasting and adjusting before serving.
• Mistake: Using lasagna noodles that are too thick, which don’t cook properly. Fix: Break regular lasagna sheets into small pieces or use mafalda or campanelle pasta instead.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

For best results when reheating, you may need to add a small splash of broth or water to loosen the soup back to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with minimal effort. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious slow cooker recipes.

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FAQs

Can I make this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What type of pasta works best for Crockpot Lasagna Soup?

We recommend using mafalda, campanelle, or broken lasagna noodles for this recipe. These shapes hold up well in the slow cooker and mimic traditional lasagna layers. Avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it al dente.

Can I freeze leftovers of this Crockpot Lasagna Soup?

Yes, this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally.