Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like having all your favorite lasagna flavors in one warm, comforting bowl. It’s filled with hearty ground beef, tomatoes, Italian herbs, and tender noodles, all simmered together to create a rich and delicious soup. The creamy, cheesy finish with a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan makes every spoonful feel like a cozy hug.
I love making this soup when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours to cook. The best part is just tossing everything into the crockpot and letting it do the work while I go about my day. I find that the flavors get better the longer it cooks, and it’s a great way to have a homemade meal ready without much fuss.
Serving this soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots turns it into a full, satisfying dinner that everyone at the table will enjoy. Whenever I bring out this lasagna soup, it’s a crowd-pleaser, and leftovers are just as tasty the next day. It’s a simple, comforting dish that always brings smiles and warmth to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the base for the soup’s rich flavor. You can swap it with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Lasagna Noodles: Breaking the noodles helps them cook evenly in the soup. If you want, use gluten-free noodles or even broken spaghetti as a substitute.
Tomatoes: Crushed and diced tomatoes bring a deep, tangy tomato flavor. Canned fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky twist if you like.
Cheeses: Parmesan adds a salty depth, while mozzarella melts beautifully for creamy texture. Ricotta on top gives a nice richness but is optional.
Herbs & Spices: Basil, oregano, and thyme give classic Italian flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How Do You Keep the Noodles Perfect in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
The noodles can turn mushy if left too long in the crockpot. To avoid this, add the broken lasagna noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Here’s how:
- Stir the noodles into the soup well so they’re submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and let cook on low heat, checking occasionally to avoid over-softening.
- If they get ready before you’re ready to serve, turn off the crockpot to prevent them from getting too soggy.
This way, you get tender noodles that hold their shape and texture, making the soup just right every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I recommend a large skillet to cook the ground beef and onions; it saves on dishes and browns the meat nicely.
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker) – This is the main tool for simmering all the flavors together effortlessly.
- Cutting board and knife – Useful for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley easily and safely.
- Measuring spoons and cups – Keep things accurate, especially with herbs and liquids.
- Large spoon or ladle – Perfect for stirring the soup and serving each bowl.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add cooked spinach or kale with the noodles for some greens.
- Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or crushed chili for a little spice.
- Use a blend of Italian cheeses like fontina or provolone for a different cheesy kick.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time You’ll Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and then requires 3-8 hours cooking time in the crockpot, depending on your heat setting (low or high). Add 20-30 minutes at the end to cook the noodles and melt the cheese. Perfect for prepping in the morning and coming home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Prepare the Base:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to mix well.
3. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This simmering lets the flavors blend beautifully, giving your soup a rich, comforting taste.
4. Add Noodles and Finish:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover and let cook until noodles are tender, usually 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
5. Add Cheese and Serve:
Stir in grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella until melted and creamy. Serve the soup into bowls. Top each portion with a spoonful of ricotta cheese if you like, extra mozzarella, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Great with crusty garlic bread on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the ground beef before browning it. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed up the process. This ensures even cooking and safe handling.
Can I Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water if it’s too thick, and add the noodles fresh to avoid them getting mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. To keep noodles from getting soggy, consider storing them separately and adding when reheating.
What Can I Substitute for Lasagna Noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles, broken spaghetti, penne, or other short pasta shapes work well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta cooks fully without getting mushy.
