Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna soup? Yes, you read that right! Imagine the rich, savory goodness of classic lasagna-layers of meat, cheese, and sauce-transformed into a cozy, soul-warming soup. This crockpot lasagna soup recipe takes all the wonderful flavors of lasagna and makes them easy to prepare in your slow cooker, giving you a hassle-free, hearty dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over, this dish will certainly be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this cozy concoction that’ll make you forget about the hours of assembly required for traditional lasagna. It’s a game-changer.

When you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal that packs all the flavor of lasagna but without all the work, this crockpot lasagna soup is your answer. It’s loaded with ground meat, tomato sauce, and Italian herbs, giving you all the classic lasagna flavor in a deliciously warm and satisfying soup. Best of all? It’s made in the crockpot, which means you can set it and forget it, leaving you time to relax or tackle other things. Once everything is in the slow cooker, the flavors meld together beautifully as it simmers. The result is a rich, savory, and perfectly spiced soup that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe relies on a mix of traditional lasagna ingredients with a few minor tweaks to make it soup-friendly. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ground Meat (beef, pork, or turkey): This provides the heartiness of the dish. Ground beef is the classic choice, but you can go leaner with turkey or mix pork and beef for extra richness.
Onion: Adds depth to the flavor base. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion for a slight variation in taste.
Garlic: Because no Italian dish is complete without garlic! Fresh garlic cloves are the best, but if you’re in a rush, garlic powder will work in a pinch.
Tomato Sauce: The base of your soup. You could also use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture or tomato puree for a smoother soup.
Crushed Tomatoes: These give the soup a thicker texture, and their slightly acidic nature balances out the richness of the meat and cheese.
Beef Broth: Adds a savory depth to the soup. You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme. If you’ve got fresh herbs lying around, feel free to use them, but dried is perfect for slow-cooking.
Bay Leaves: They add a subtle layer of flavor as they simmer. Don’t forget to remove them before serving.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese gives the soup that classic lasagna filling flavor. You could use cottage cheese as a substitute if you prefer.
Mozzarella Cheese: This is for topping, adding that stretchy, gooey, melty goodness that makes lasagna so irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkling of this sharp cheese gives the soup the finishing touch, a burst of salty, nutty flavor.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken up into pieces to simulate the layers of lasagna. Use regular or gluten-free noodles, or even try substituting with zucchini ribbons for a low-carb version.

Cooking Instructions

Making crockpot lasagna soup is straightforward, and it all comes together with minimal effort. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Brown The Meat
- Start by browning your ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat. This step is essential to get rid of extra grease and prevent your soup from being too oily.
Sauté The Onion & Garlic
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. You want to develop a deep flavor base for your soup, so this step should take about 3-4 minutes.
Add The Meat And Aromatics To The Crockpot
- Transfer the browned meat and sautéed onion and garlic into your crockpot. It’s easy, just scoop it in.
Combine The Broth, Sauces, And Spices
- Pour in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Add in the dried Italian herbs, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
Cook Low And Slow
- Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This gives the flavors plenty of time to develop. If you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but low and slow is ideal for maximum flavor.
Add The Noodles
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your broken lasagna noodles. Give them time to soften and absorb the delicious flavors of the soup.
Prepare The Cheese
- About 10 minutes before serving, mix the ricotta cheese into the soup. You can also save a portion to serve on top later. Add your mozzarella, letting it melt into the hot soup for that delicious cheesy texture.
Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with additional mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a nice touch of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. Let’s take a closer look at why certain ingredients work so well together:

Ground Meat: Rich and hearty, ground meat gives the soup a satisfying base. Beef is a classic choice for lasagna, but using turkey or pork gives a slightly different flavor profile and fat content.
Tomatoes: Tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes provide the acidity and sweetness that balances out the richness of the meat and cheese. The combination of both ensures the soup has depth.
Herbs and Spices: Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are fundamental to achieving that “lasagna” flavor. They add warmth and aromatic complexity.
Ricotta & Mozzarella: These cheeses bring the creamy and melty textures that are so iconic in lasagna. Ricotta gives richness, while mozzarella creates that beautiful cheese pull when you serve the soup.
Noodles: Lasagna noodles are cut into smaller pieces to maintain the essence of lasagna but allow the soup to have that comforting, starchy texture without being too heavy.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook The Noodles
- Adding the noodles too early can lead to mushy results. Adding them in the last 30 minutes allows them to soak up flavor without losing their structure.
Double The Flavor
- If you want to take the flavor up a notch, try adding a splash of red wine to the broth for extra depth, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use Fresh Herbs
- While dried herbs work perfectly for this soup, fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Consider adding fresh basil or oregano just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Make It Ahead
- This soup actually tastes better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld together. Consider making it a day in advance and reheating it for an even more flavorful meal.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup
- Skip the meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. You could also use plant-based crumbles as a substitute for ground meat.
Low-Carb Version
- Replace the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These will keep the soup hearty without the carbs.
Spicy Lasagna Soup
- Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat. You can also mix in a spicy sausage for an added kick.
Cheesy Overload
- If you’re a cheese lover, add more cheeses-try a mix of gouda, cheddar, or provolone in addition to the ricotta and mozzarella for extra gooey goodness.

Final Words

This crockpot lasagna soup is truly a game-changer when it comes to comfort food. It gives you all the familiar flavors of lasagna but in a form that’s easy, convenient, and perfect for busy days. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or prepare meals in advance. So, whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, this recipe is a surefire way to impress anyone who tastes it.

Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe