Lasagna Soup Crockpot Recipe
Lasagna soup Crockpot is the ultimate comfort food, combining the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm, satisfying meal. This crockpot recipe makes it incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work. Packed with rich, savory flavors from ground beef, tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, lasagna soup brings all the best parts of lasagna into a convenient one-pot dish.
Why Lasagna Soup is the Perfect Crockpot Meal
Lasagna soup is a great twist on the traditional lasagna, offering all the familiar flavors of the classic dish but in soup form. Using the crockpot ensures the flavors develop beautifully, and the ease of preparation makes it a stress-free meal option for busy families or anyone looking for a satisfying, hands-off dinner. Here’s why this lasagna soup is the perfect choice:
- Hearty and Comforting: Lasagna soup brings the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna but in a more convenient, soup-like form that’s perfect for cozying up with on a cold day.
- Easy and Convenient: With a slow cooker, you can simply toss all the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the work. No need to worry about multiple pots or stirring!
- Flavorful and Filling: This soup is packed with ground beef, tomatoes, rich cheese, and tender noodles that make it both hearty and delicious.
- Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes—swap out the meat for a vegetarian option, add extra spices, or mix in additional vegetables for variety.
Key Ingredients for Lasagna Soup Crockpot
To make this flavorful lasagna soup, you’ll need some basic ingredients, many of which are staples in a traditional lasagna recipe. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: You can use either ground beef or sausage, or a combination of both, depending on your taste preferences.
- 1 medium onion: Diced, it will bring sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced, for added flavor.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: These form the base of the soup’s rich tomato broth.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Adds depth and richness to the soup.
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste: Helps thicken the soup and intensify the tomato flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken broth): This creates the soupy base and adds savory flavor.
- 2 tsp dried oregano: Brings a Mediterranean flavor that’s essential to lasagna.
- 2 tsp dried basil: Another classic herb in lasagna recipes.
- 1 tsp salt: Or to taste, to season the soup.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a bit of warmth and seasoning.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Optional, for a little heat.
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 12 oz box of lasagna noodles: Break the noodles into 2-inch pieces to cook properly in the soup.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The signature cheese in lasagna that adds richness and creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For melting into the soup.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the soup.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and a pop of color.
How to Make Lasagna Soup in the Crockpot
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the soup. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious lasagna soup that will warm you up and satisfy your taste buds.
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Drain any excess fat from the skillet before setting the cooked meat mixture aside.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Transfer the cooked meat, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Mix everything together well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed in the crockpot.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The slow cooker will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, making for a rich and flavorful soup.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and add them to the soup. Stir the soup well to ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the broth. Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the soup is finishing, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This cheese mixture will be added to the soup to give it that creamy, lasagna-like texture.
Step 6: Serve the Soup
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture to each bowl and stir it in. The cheese will melt into the soup, making it creamy and rich. Top with extra shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Tips and Variations for Lasagna Soup
While this lasagna soup is already delicious, there are a few tips and variations you can try to make it even better:
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef or sausage with a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use lentils or tofu for added protein. This vegetarian option still maintains all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna.
Flavor Boosts
For added richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking process. This will create a creamier texture and enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Freezing Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup freezes really well, making it a great make-ahead meal. After cooking, let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Noodle Tips
Since lasagna noodles can break apart and become mushy if overcooked, be sure to add the noodles toward the end of the cooking time. Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces ensures they cook evenly and don’t become too soft.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna soup with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for added flavor and richness.
Why You’ll Love Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup combines the best elements of classic lasagna—rich, savory meat, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese—into a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights. The crockpot does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna soup is a hearty, comforting option that’s sure to satisfy.
Lasagna Soup Crockpot Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Large skillet (for browning the meat)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage or a mix of both
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional for a little heat
- 1 12 oz box of lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus more for topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once the meat is browned, add the diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:
- Transfer the browned meat, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Noodles:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged. Continue cooking until the noodles are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- While the soup is finishing cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve:
- Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture to each bowl and stir until it melts into the soup. Top with extra shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
Video
Notes
Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef/sausage with a combination of mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Freezing: This soup freezes well! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Flavor Boost: For added richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking.
Toppings: For extra flavor and texture, top each serving with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or even a side of garlic bread.