Name: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485218H54M25S
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup brings all the traditional flavors of lasagna savory meat sauce, al dente pasta, and creamy cheese into a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for busy weeknights or cold days, this one-pot wonder simplifies everything you love about classic lasagna with the hands-off ease of a slow cooker. With rich layers of flavor and a texture that feels like a hug in a bowl, it’s destined to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

For the Soup Base:

1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces

For the Cheese Topping:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the cooked meat mixture into the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and all the seasonings: Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together. You can also sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top of each bowl before serving for added cheesiness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Use Italian Sausage for Depth

For deeper, more authentic flavor, use sweet or spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Break Noodles into Small Pieces

Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller chunks ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat with a spoon.

Avoid Overcooking Pasta

Add the noodles at the end of the cooking time. Leaving them in the slow cooker for too long can make them mushy.

Make It Creamier

For a creamier twist, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Vegetarian Variation

Skip the meat and add zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing up your time.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: From rich tomatoes to melty cheeses, every bite is layered and satisfying.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for easy weeknight dinners.
Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and comforting, it appeals to all ages.
Easily Customizable: Add veggies, swap cheeses, or adjust spice levels.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions without the noodles (they don’t freeze well). Add fresh noodles when reheating.

Reheating

Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup transforms a beloved Italian classic into a comforting, spoonable meal that warms from the inside out. With bold, balanced flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth cheese topping, this dish delivers the essence of lasagna with none of the layering or fuss. It’s the perfect recipe for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves slow-cooked comfort food with a gourmet twist.

FAQs

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes. To control the texture more precisely, cook the pasta separately on the stove, then stir into the soup just before serving.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely. Skip the cheese topping or substitute with dairy-free alternatives like cashew-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. Use an 8-quart slow cooker and double all the ingredients for a larger crowd or meal prep.

What sides go well with lasagna soup?

Crusty garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully with the rich, hearty soup.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. But you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup