Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like a big cozy hug in a bowl, packed with all the flavors of traditional lasagna but way easier to make. It’s filled with tender noodles, hearty ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese that all simmer together in the slow cooker, giving you that deep, comforting taste without needing to fuss over the oven.
I love making this soup on busy days when I want something warm and filling waiting for me at dinnertime. Toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, the house smells so good you can’t wait to dig in. Plus, the best part is it tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a real treat.
My favorite way to serve this soup is with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a piece of crusty bread on the side. It feels just like eating lasagna, but in a cozy, slurpable form that’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a simple, hearty meal without the mess. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a go-to comfort dish in your kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds heartiness and classic lasagna flavor. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. Vegetarian? Use cooked lentils or a plant-based crumble instead.
Tomatoes (crushed & sauce): They give the soup its rich, tangy base. If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work fine—just crush them lightly when adding.
Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces to fit the soup. You can also use broken spaghetti or any pasta you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time so the noodles stay tender but not mushy.
Ricotta and mozzarella cheese: These make the soup creamy and cheesy, just like lasagna. No ricotta? Try cottage cheese or cream cheese for creaminess. Mozzarella can be swapped with provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor.
How Do You Make the Noodles Perfect in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
The timing and prep of noodles is key because pasta can get mushy if left too long.
- Break the noodles into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly in the soup.
- Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them from overcooking.
- Stir well after adding noodles to prevent sticking or clumping.
- If you prefer firmer noodles, check them a little earlier as slow cookers vary.
This way, you get soft but not soggy noodles that soak up the tasty broth just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I use one to brown the beef and sauté onions and garlic, which adds flavor before slow-cooking.
- Slow cooker – This is perfect for letting all the flavors meld together effortlessly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Makes stirring and combining ingredients easy without scratching the slow cooker or skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredients, especially when adding seasonings and liquids.
- Knife and cutting board – Handy for chopping onions, garlic, and herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- Mix in chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost veggie intake and add texture.
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar for deeper flavor in the broth.
- For extra spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or hot sauce before serving.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz (1 large can) crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 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 recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 6 to 7 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high) in the crockpot. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they stay perfectly tender. It’s a great hands-off meal you can start early and enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir often until the beef is browned and the onion softens. Drain off any extra fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer your cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you like some heat), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors mix evenly.
3. Slow Cook to Develop Flavor:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking lets all the ingredients blend into a rich, tasty soup.
4. Add Noodles and Finish Cooking:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the crockpot. Stir well, cover, and cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy — usually around 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Add Cheeses and Adjust Seasoning:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella until creamy and melted. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley or basil for a bright finish. Serve with crusty bread if you like for dipping.
Can I Use a Different Meat Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work great as substitutes. Just brown the meat the same way before adding it to the crockpot.
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
You can, but you’ll still want to break them into smaller pieces and cook them in the soup for about 30 minutes to ensure they’re tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble everything except the noodles and cheese in the crockpot insert and refrigerate overnight. Add the noodles and cheeses right before cooking to keep the best texture.
