I’ve transformed the beloved layers of traditional lasagna into a comforting, hassle-free soup that captures all those classic Italian flavors. This Crockpot Lasagna Soup has become my go-to recipe when I’m craving the taste of homemade lasagna but want the convenience of slow-cooker simplicity.
Born from the fusion of Italian-American cuisine and modern convenience cooking, this innovative twist on lasagna delivers all the comfort of the original with a fraction of the effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, satisfying soup that’s perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
For 8 generous servings
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup / 150g)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon / 9g)
Base & Liquids
- 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz / 397g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (946ml) chicken or beef broth
- 2 cups (200g) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup (246g) ricotta cheese
- 1½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Detailed Instructions
1. Meat Preparation
The foundation of flavor starts here:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add ground meat and diced onions
- Break meat into small, even pieces while cooking
- Cook until meat is fully browned and onions are translucent (8-10 minutes)
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy soup
2. Slow Cooker Assembly
I layer ingredients strategically for optimal flavor development:
- Transfer the meat-onion mixture to the slow cooker
- Add minced garlic
- Pour in crushed and diced tomatoes
- Add broth and seasonings
- Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients
3. Slow Cooking Process
Patience yields the best results:
- LOW setting: 6-7 hours
- HIGH setting: 3-4 hours
The extended cooking time allows flavors to meld and the sauce to develop richness.
4. Noodle Addition
Timing is crucial for perfect pasta texture:
- Break lasagna noodles into roughly 2-inch pieces
- Add to the slow cooker during the final 30 minutes
- Stir gently to ensure noodles are submerged
- Check tenderness at 25 minutes
5. Cheese Mixture Preparation
I create a rich, three-cheese topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Ricotta cheese
- Half the mozzarella
- All the Parmesan
- Mix until well combined
- Set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving
6. Serving Suggestions
I serve this soup restaurant-style:
- Ladle hot soup into deep bowls
- Top with a generous dollop of cheese mixture
- Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
- Serve immediately while cheese is melty
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This soup is perfect for meal prep:
- Refrigerator storage: 3-4 days in airtight containers
- Freezer storage: Up to 3 months (without noodles)
- Reheat: Stovetop or microwave, adding splash of broth if needed
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 290mg
- Iron: 3.5mg
- Vitamin C: 15mg
Recipe Variations
I sometimes customize this recipe with:
- Ground turkey for a lighter option
- Whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber
- Spinach or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Different cheese combinations (fontina, provolone)
- Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna in a convenient, soul-warming bowl. The combination of three cheeses, tender noodles, and rich tomato broth creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. The slow cooker method not only makes preparation easier but also allows the flavors to develop more fully, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
