Lasagna is a family favorite, but let’s be honest—it can take some time to assemble, bake, and serve. That’s why this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe is a game-changer. With all the same hearty flavors as traditional lasagna but prepared in the convenience of your slow cooker, you can enjoy this comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to cozy up with a bowl of warmth.
In this article, I’ll guide you through an easy, step-by-step process to create a delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup that your whole family will love. Plus, we’ll talk about some fun variations and tips to make it even more special. Let’s dive into the ingredients, instructions, and some bonus tips that will ensure your lasagna soup turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
For this recipe, you’ll need a variety of classic lasagna ingredients. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll require:
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles (uncooked)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
The beauty of this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe is that most of the cooking is hands-off, thanks to the slow cooker. Here’s how you can easily put this delicious meal together:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- Start by browning the ground beef or Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart and cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Drain excess fat, if necessary.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, dried oregano, and the bay leaf. Stir everything to combine. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Set your crockpot to low and cook the soup for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time, giving you that rich, lasagna-like taste.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir them into the soup and continue cooking on high until the noodles are tender. This should take around 20-30 minutes, depending on your crockpot’s heat setting.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This will be your cheesy topping, similar to the creamy layers of a lasagna.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Once the noodles are fully cooked, give the soup a final stir. Remove the bay leaf, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary. Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. If you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Now that you’ve got the basic recipe down, let’s talk about how you can make this dish even better or customize it to your preferences:
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for more flavor. You can even do a 50/50 mix for added depth.
- Add vegetables: Chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be stirred in during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition.
- Control the texture: For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth. If you prefer a more liquidy soup, you can add an extra cup of broth during cooking.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles or another gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Cheesy twist: If you’re a fan of extra cheesy lasagna, add more mozzarella and Parmesan when serving. The warmth of the soup will melt the cheese into gooey goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
There’s a lot to love about this recipe, but let’s break down some of the top reasons why it’s bound to become a household favorite:
- It’s easy: You get all the hearty, comforting flavors of lasagna without the hassle of assembling and baking the layers. Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting!
- It’s customizable: You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your dietary needs, such as making it gluten-free or swapping out the meat for plant-based crumbles.
- It’s family-friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
- It’s meal-prep friendly: Leftovers store well and can be reheated for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, but if you have leftovers, don’t worry! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storing leftovers: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze it without the noodles, as they tend to become mushy when thawed. Simply freeze the soup base, and when reheating, add fresh noodles.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If it’s thickened too much during storage, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Variations to Try
This soup is delicious as-is, but if you’re looking to experiment, here are some variations you can try:
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini.
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give the soup some heat.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamier consistency.