Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm, hearty dish that brings all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss. With layers of pasta, savory meat, and gooey cheese, it’s a big hug in a bowl!
This soup is super easy to make! Just throw everything in your slow cooker and let it do the work. I love topping mine with extra cheese and some crusty bread—so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: You can use either for a meaty flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken will work great too, though they may be a bit leaner.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are perfect for this dish. However, you can substitute with gluten-free noodles if needed. Just break them into manageable pieces!
Tomatoes: The combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste is key for flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use about 4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes instead, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid accordingly.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan help create the creamy, cheesy goodness. You could swap ricotta for cottage cheese or even cream cheese for a twist.
How Do You Ensure the Noodles are Perfectly Cooked in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking the noodles in a crockpot can be tricky, but it’s easy once you know the technique. Add broken noodles about 30 minutes before serving to ensure they get tender but not mushy!
- Stir the noodles gently into the soup so they’re submerged.
- Add enough water as specified; it keeps the soup from getting too thick.
- Cover again and don’t lift the lid until the time is up to maintain heat.
Once they’re tender, serve immediately for the best texture. Enjoy your hearty crockpot lasagna soup!
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
- 1 (28 oz/800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz/170g) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, followed by a cooking time of 6 hours on low, or 3 hours on high in the crockpot. Plus, you only need to stir in the noodles 30 minutes before serving. Easy-peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat, so the soup isn’t greasy.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
To the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until they become soft. Then, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This adds a lot of flavor to your soup!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
In your crockpot, combine the cooked meat mixture, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, fennel seeds (if you’re using it), plus salt and pepper. Stir well to mix everything together.
4. Set Your Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Let it work its magic while you go about your day!
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, gently stir in the broken lasagna noodles and 1 cup of water. Cover and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, which should take about 25-30 minutes.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese, sprinkle on some mozzarella and Parmesan, and finish it off with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added flavor.
7. Enjoy:
Serve hot and enjoy this warm, cheesy, and filling bowl of Lasagna Soup! It’s great on its own or paired with some crusty bread on the side!
This recipe captures the hearty flavor and comforting textures of classic lasagna in a super simple and convenient soup format made easily in the crockpot! Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Different Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times slightly for leaner meats.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, to make it vegetarian, skip the meat and substitute it with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze any leftover soup! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or microwave.
What Do I Do If My Noodles Are Overcooked?
If your noodles become overcooked and mushy, there’s not much that can be done to fix them, but you can still enjoy the flavors. Next time, keep a close watch and add them to the soup only 30 minutes before serving to ensure they remain tender!