Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like all the best parts of lasagna, but in a comforting, cozy soup form. It’s packed with tender ground beef, tomatoes, noodles, and plenty of cheesy goodness that melts into every spoonful. The flavors blend beautifully as they cook slowly in the crockpot, making the whole house smell amazing.
I love making this soup on busy days when I want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The crockpot does all the work, and the result feels like a big, loving hug in a bowl. One of my favorite things is how the noodles soak up all the tasty sauce, so each bite feels rich and comforting.
When I serve this, I usually top it with fresh basil and a little extra shredded cheese. It’s perfect with some crusty bread on the side to scoop up every last bit. This soup always brings people together around the table, and I find myself making it again and again because it’s just that good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef or Italian sausage: These add rich, meaty flavor. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or a plant-based crumbled meat substitute. I find Italian sausage adds extra depth with its seasoning.
Crushed tomatoes & tomato sauce: These create the hearty base. If you prefer a smoother texture, use tomato puree instead of crushed tomatoes. Canned is easy and works well here.
Lasagna noodles: Broken into small pieces, they cook right in the soup. You can substitute with any short pasta like penne or rotini if needed. Just watch the cook time!
Ricotta, mozzarella & Parmesan cheese: The cheeses bring creaminess and classic lasagna flavor. Cottage cheese can replace ricotta for a lighter touch. Shredded cheddar or provolone works if mozzarella isn’t handy.
How Do I Keep Noodles from Overcooking in the Crockpot?
The noodles can become mushy if cooked too long in the crockpot. To avoid this:
- Wait until 30 minutes before the end of cooking to add broken noodles.
- Stir gently after adding noodles to prevent sticking.
- Keep an eye on noodle tenderness; some crockpots cook hotter, so adjust time as needed.
- If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separate and add just before serving.
Adding cheese after the noodles cook helps keep the soup creamy and thick without overcooking your pasta. This way, the texture stays just right!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I use it to cook and brown the meat, which adds flavor right from the start.
- Crockpot – This is the star of the show, slow-cooking all the ingredients until tender and flavorful.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – Needed to chop the onion and garlic easily and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions, especially liquids and spices.
- Large spoon or ladle – For stirring the soup and serving up bowls.
- Optional: Soup bowls and garnishing spoons – To serve and add extra cheese or herbs on top.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version. It cooks just as flavorful and light.
- Try adding chopped spinach or kale when you add the noodles for some greens and extra nutrition.
- Mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of oregano for a different, tangy flavor profile.
- Top the finished soup with Parmesan, fresh basil, or even crushed red pepper flakes for extra zest.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz/800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups (1 liter) beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz (115g) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Cheese and Garnishes:
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 3 to 7 hours of slow cooking depending on your crockpot setting. Add 20 to 30 minutes at the end for cooking the noodles and mixing in the cheese. It’s perfect to set up in the morning and enjoy a warm, comforting meal later in the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Cook the Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage with the finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Add Garlic and Combine in Crockpot
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then transfer the meat and onion mixture to your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, plus salt and pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors mix well.
3. Slow Cook the Soup
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully and the meat to become tender.
4. Add Noodles and Cheese
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, open the crockpot and add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir gently and cover again. Let the noodles cook for about 20–30 minutes until tender. Once done, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella until the soup is creamy and cheesy.
5. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan. Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious soup.
Enjoy your warm, hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup—simple to make and full of comforting Italian flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef or sausage, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even browning and proper cooking in the crockpot.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding noodles and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add the noodles and cheese fresh to keep the texture perfect.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of beef broth or water if it thickens too much.
Can I Substitute the Lasagna Noodles?
Yes! Feel free to use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cook time since some pasta shapes might cook faster or slower in the crockpot.
