Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty soup. It’s packed with tender ground beef, lasagna noodles broken into bite-size pieces, lots of tomato sauce, melty cheese, and Italian herbs that make every spoonful so satisfying.
I love making this soup when I want something easy but still feel like I’m having a real treat. Toss everything in the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner time your house smells amazing and the soup is ready to go. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl, and it’s so nice to have leftovers to enjoy the next day.
My favorite way to serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup is with a big sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves on top. I often pair it with garlic bread for dipping, which just makes the meal feel extra special without any fuss. If you’re craving lasagna but want something quicker and less messy, this soup is definitely going to be your new favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work great and keep it tender.
Lasagna Noodles: Breaking noodles into bite-sized pieces lets them cook evenly in the soup. If you want gluten-free, try gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles for a veggie twist.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds creaminess and mimics the lasagna filling. For dairy-free, try cashew cream or skip it and add extra mozzarella instead.
Tomatoes: The mix of crushed and diced tomatoes builds the soup’s base. For a fresh touch, you can add a bit of tomato paste to deepen the flavor.
How Do You Keep Noodles From Getting Mushy in Crockpot Soup?
Cooking pasta in a slow cooker can be tricky because it can easily overcook. Here’s how to get perfect, tender noodles:
- Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking, not at the start. This prevents them from soaking too long and falling apart.
- Break noodles into small pieces so they cook quickly and fit your spoon easily.
- Stir gently a couple of times while cooking to stop noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- If you prefer extra firm noodles, you can cook them separately for a couple of minutes and add them just before serving.
These tips help you enjoy that classic lasagna noodle texture right in your soup!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I use it to brown the beef and onions, ensuring they develop good flavor before adding to the crockpot.
- Crockpot/Slow Cooker – the main tool to cook everything slowly and let flavors blend over hours.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping onions and garlic quickly and safely.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir ingredients and prevent sticking during cooking.
- Large spoon or ladle – for serving the soup hot and easily distributing noodles and toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swapping ground beef for Italian sausage adds a spicy, savory kick that everyone loves.
- Mixing in chopped spinach or kale boosts greens and makes the dish even healthier.
- Use shredded mozzarella or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth and a slight tang to the soup.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and browning the meat, then slow cooks for 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Add noodles during the last 30 minutes for perfect tenderness. Overall, plan for about an hour hands-on time spread out with plenty of slow cooking while you get other things done!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Onions:
Start by cooking the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off any extra fat, then add the minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to your crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, water, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
3. Slow Cook and Let Flavors Develop:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This lets all those flavors mix and create a rich, tasty soup base.
4. Add Lasagna Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the crockpot. Cover again and cook until the noodles are tender, about 20-30 minutes. Give the soup a gentle stir now and then to keep noodles from sticking.
5. Serve with Cheesy Toppings:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. If you want, briefly pop the bowls under a broiler or use a kitchen torch to get the cheese melty and bubbly, just like lasagna.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish with some chopped fresh parsley or basil on top. Serve your Crockpot Lasagna Soup warm with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a delicious, comforting meal everyone will love.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed things up. This helps it brown evenly and prevents excess moisture in the soup.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the soup completely (except adding noodles), then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and stir in fresh noodles to cook for 20-30 minutes before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. If noodles soak up too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Can I Substitute the Lasagna Noodles with Other Pasta?
Yes, you can use broken spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni if you prefer. Just add the pasta during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy. Remember to adjust cooking time slightly based on pasta type and size!
