Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a cozy, easy-to-make soup. It’s filled with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, chunks of ground meat, and dollops of creamy cheese, making every spoonful feel like a hug on a chilly day. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld together perfectly without any fuss.
I love making this soup when I want something satisfying but don’t feel like standing over the stove for hours. It’s one of those recipes where I throw everything in the crockpot, go about my day, and come back to a kitchen that smells amazing. Plus, I usually add a little extra garlic or herbs to make it my own. The cheesy topping is a must—I sometimes stir in ricotta or sprinkle mozzarella right before serving to get that classic lasagna feel.
Serving this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad makes for a complete meal that everyone enjoys. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers because it’s filling and easy to share. Whenever I make this Crockpot Lasagna Soup, I find myself looking forward to leftovers the next day—they somehow taste even better! It’s definitely become one of my go-to comfort meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef or Italian sausage: I like Italian sausage for its extra seasoning, but ground turkey or plant-based meat work well if you want a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust spices as needed.
Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce: Using both gives a nice balance of texture and smoothness. You can swap in canned diced tomatoes for a chunkier soup or omit tomato sauce if you prefer less liquid.
Lasagna noodles: Breaking the noodles into small pieces fits the soup style perfectly. If you have no lasagna noodles, broken rotini or penne pasta also works fine.
Cheese: Parmesan adds a sharp bite, while ricotta and mozzarella bring creaminess. For dairy-free, try nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives.
How Do You Prevent the Noodles from Getting Mushy in the Crockpot?
The key is to add the lasagna noodles toward the end of cooking—about 30 minutes before serving—so they cook just until tender.
- Keep noodles broken into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Stir gently after adding noodles to avoid clumping.
- Use regular dried pasta, not fresh, since fresh cooks faster.
- If prepping ahead, cook noodles separately and add right before serving to skip mushiness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I prefer it for browning the meat and onions, making flavor rich and saving on cleanup.
- Slow cooker (crockpot) – Simply set it and forget it while the flavors develop. Easy and hands-off.
- Knife and cutting board – For chopping onion and garlic, making prep quick and simple.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the seasonings and liquids just right.
- Stirring spoon – For mixing ingredients in the crockpot without splattering.
- Optional: ladle and bowls for serving – To serve the soup neatly and comfortably.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken sausage instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Cheese options: Stir in ricotta or crumbled feta for extra creaminess, or top with shredded Italian cheeses.
- Veggie boost: Add chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers when you add the noodles for more flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like some heat in your soup.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles (about 3 cups)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Serving (Optional):
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 6 to 8 hours of cooking in the crockpot on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). Add an extra 30 minutes near the end to cook the noodles. It’s perfect for a slow, hands-off meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the meat is brown and no longer pink. Drain any extra fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked meat, onions, and garlic to your crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to mix.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking helps all the flavors to come together beautifully.
4. Add Noodles and Cheese:
About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and stir them into the crockpot. Cover and cook until the noodles are tender. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top if you like—it makes the soup feel just like traditional lasagna! Finally, garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
6. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve your Crockpot Lasagna Soup hot with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete and comforting dinner.
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the meat completely before browning it. This ensures even cooking and helps avoid excess moisture in the soup.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can brown the meat and combine all ingredients in the crockpot the night before. Just keep the noodles and cheese separate until you’re ready to cook and serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly.
What Can I Serve with Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to round out the meal and soak up the delicious broth.
