If you love the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine but want something quicker and cozier for a chilly day, then this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers all the rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness of traditional lasagna, but in a warm, spoonable soup form that’s perfect for slow-cooked, fuss-free meals. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with savory tomato broth, herbs, broken noodles, and a luscious cheese swirl with every bite—the perfect way to satisfy your pasta cravings without the oven fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the savory ground beef adding depth, to the fresh herbs uplifting the flavor, and the cheeses bringing that creamy, indulgent finish. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a rich, meaty base without excess fat.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and a subtle aromatic layer when softened.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic boosts the savory and slightly pungent notes.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the tangy, vibrant heart of the broth.
- Beef Broth: Enriches the soup’s base with meaty depth and warmth.
- Dried Basil: Brings classic Italian herbaceousness.
- Dried Oregano: Enhances the savory, slightly bitter herb notes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that awakens the taste buds.
- Ricotta Cheese: Swirled in for creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey, stretchy goodness.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into pieces, they give you the comforting pasta experience.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step ensures the beef develops a rich flavor through browning, which transfers even more depth to your soup. Drain any excess fat to keep the final dish from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Next, transfer that beautifully browned beef into your slow cooker. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic to soften and release their sweet aromas during the cooking process. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth to build the soup’s hearty, saucy foundation. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat. Stir everything well so all the flavors blend beautifully.
Step 3: Let It Slowly Cook
Cover your crock pot and let all those ingredients mingle on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to deepen and the broth to thicken just right. Patience here rewards you with a comforting, rich soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Step 4: Add the Broken Lasagna Noodles
A half hour before you’re ready to eat, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. They’ll cook gently in the simmering soup, absorbing the flavors while softening perfectly without becoming mushy. This step is key because it gives you that familiar pasta feel in a spoonful.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses and Season
Finally, just before serving, swirl in the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. The cheeses melt into the soup, making it creamy and decadently cheesy with every bite. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—that final touch will bring all those wonderful flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can take your Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe to the next level. A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a burst of fresh herb flavor. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese gives an extra umami punch, and a few cracked black peppercorns add just the right amount of spice on top.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes that complement its hearty nature. Serve with warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up every last drop, or offer a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic breadsticks are another cozy option that kids and adults alike will adore alongside this soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd or a family dinner, consider serving the soup in individual bowls layered with dollops of ricotta and shredded mozzarella on top, allowing guests to mix their own cheese as desired. You can also ladle it into small bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation. If you want to get fancy, garnish each bowl with a fresh basil leaf and a wipe of extra virgin olive oil around the rim.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or quick dinner option during busy weekdays.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Just remember to leave out the noodles if you plan to freeze it, as they can become overly soft when thawed. Freeze the broth with meat and seasonings in a sealed container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then add fresh noodles before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent the cheese from separating or the soup from scorching. Add fresh noodles or a little extra broth if it’s too thick, and stir in additional cheese to revive the creamy texture. Microwave reheating works well too; just cover the bowl to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe, just keep in mind it might yield a slightly milder flavor. Brown it well to develop taste before adding to the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?
Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 1 to 2 hours instead of slow cooking. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and stir occasionally.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Add the broken lasagna noodles toward the end of the cooking time—about 30 minutes before serving. This shorter cooking time keeps them tender but not mushy, giving you perfect texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can create a delicious vegetarian version by swapping the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The seasonings and cheese keep it full of flavor.
Is this soup spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The soup has a mild spice level thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. Feel free to omit them if you prefer no heat, or add more if you like things spicy. It’s totally customizable to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe bursts with hearty care and cheesy goodness, making it a perfect meal to cozy up with any time of year. It’s straightforward to make but delivers complex, comforting flavors that remind you of classic lasagna without the heavy lifting. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!
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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 comforting Crock Pot Lasagna Soup combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty soup form. Ground beef, aromatic herbs, tender broken lasagna noodles, and creamy cheeses are slowly simmered together in a slow cooker, making it an easy and satisfying meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat to reduce grease in the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef to a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to become rich and hearty.
- Add the Lasagna Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. This ensures the pasta cooks properly without becoming mushy.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Just before serving, stir in the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese to add creaminess to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder taste.
- Lasagna noodles can be replaced with broken spaghetti or any short pasta if desired.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
