If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something simpler, cozier, and topped with bubbling cheese, this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine rich, meaty tomato broth enriched with herbs and tender lasagna noodles, all simmering gently in your slow cooker until the flavors meld perfectly. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, filled with all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna but with less fuss and way more soul-soothing satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, classic ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheeses and aromatic herbs, every element plays a crucial role in building that familiar lasagna taste in a cozy soup format.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base for the soup with rich flavor when browned.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a warm, pungent punch essential for authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: Creates the rich, tangy tomato base that’s the heart of the soup.
- 4 cups beef broth: Layers in savory richness and helps meld all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous note that complements the tomato beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds subtle woody, slightly peppery flavor typical of Italian cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a little gentle heat, perfect if you like a spicy kick.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Swirled in at the end for creamy softness and mild tang.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, luscious fun that makes every spoonful irresistible.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: These pasta bites absorb the savory broth and provide satisfying texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to perfectly balance and enhance all flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the meat not only locks in flavor but also gives the soup that hearty taste it needs. Be sure to drain off any excess fat so your soup doesn’t turn greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Into the pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, which will soften and release their aromas as they cook. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to create a rich, flavorful base. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. Stir everything to combine so all those wonderful flavors start getting cozy together.
Step 3: Let It Slow Cook
Cover your slow cooker and let the soup do its magic on low for 6 to 7 hours or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the herbs to infuse and the tomato broth to thicken and deepen in flavor, creating that perfect lasagna soup essence.
Step 4: Add the Lasagna Noodles
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. They’ll soften and cook right in the broth, soaking up all that delicious flavor without becoming mushy. This step is key to achieve the perfect noodle texture that holds up wonderfully in the soup.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Just before serving, swirl in the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. They’ll melt into creamy pockets, adding richness and that indulgent texture you expect from lasagna. Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper to bring everything into balance. Your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is ready to warm your soul.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this soup even further, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese adds an extra umami kick and a touch of elegance. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil for a silky finishing touch that feels just luxurious.
Side Dishes
This soup stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to create a hearty meal, warm some crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich soup, making your dinner feel well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe in bread bowls for a rustic touch that’s perfect for cozy nights. Alternatively, layering a little soup in clear bowls and topping with a dollop of ricotta and fresh herbs makes for an appealing presentation that will wow guests and family alike. It’s simple but impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Lasagna Soup stays delicious and keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making it an even better meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for future meals, this soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When frozen, the noodles may soften slightly, so you might prefer to add fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much. If the noodles have softened too much from freezing, consider adding fresh cooked noodles at this stage to bring back some texture.
FAQs
Can I make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The herbs and cheeses will still give you that classic lasagna flavor.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Broken lasagna noodles are ideal because they mimic the layers of a baked lasagna and absorb just the right amount of broth. However, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini or penne if you prefer.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! You can combine all ingredients except the noodles and cheeses in the slow cooker the night before. Refrigerate overnight and cook the next day, adding noodles and cheeses near the end as instructed.
Is it okay to add more cheese?
Definitely. Feel free to up the mozzarella or ricotta if you want it even cheesier, or sprinkle extra Parmesan when serving. Cheese is one of the best parts of this soup!
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem. You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot for about 45 minutes, and adding noodles and cheeses at the end. Just keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is the ultimate cozy meal that brings all the joy of classic lasagna with less effort and more comfort. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a crowd-pleasing meal, this soup delivers big on flavor and warmth. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be reaching for the slow cooker every time comfort food calls.
Print
Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup offers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting soup form. Packed with ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a hearty and easy slow cooker meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat before transferring the beef to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the beef in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours to develop deep flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and continue cooking so they soften and absorb the soup’s flavors.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Just before serving, mix in the ricotta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring gently until the cheeses melt and blend into the soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and use vegetable broth, adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- The red pepper flakes are optional; omit if you prefer a milder soup.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer uncovered for a short time before adding noodles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
