This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm and cozy treat! It has all the classic flavors of lasagna—pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce—cooked together in one pot.
What’s great is that you can just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. I love to top it with extra cheese before serving! Comfort food made easy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the soup. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a meat-free version, use canned beans or lentils to keep the protein.
Marinara Sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara makes this recipe easy. You can substitute with homemade tomato sauce or any pasta sauce you like. Just adjust the seasoning to taste!
Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy texture. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, tofu blended with a bit of nutritional yeast can mimic the creaminess. Cottage cheese is another good option if you don’t have ricotta.
Lasagna Noodles: I love using broken pieces of lasagna noodles! You can swap in any pasta type, like rotini or penne. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid mushiness.
How Do I Make Sure My Noodles Don’t Get Mushy?
Adding pasta at the right time is crucial for a perfect texture. Wait until about 30 minutes before serving to add the broken lasagna noodles. This way, they cook just enough without becoming overly soft.
- Make sure the soup is bubbling before adding the noodles.
- Stir to ensure they are fully submerged in the broth.
- Cover the slow cooker quickly after adding noodles to retain heat.
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles or regular lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then needs to cook in the crockpot. If you set it on low, it will take about 6 hours, or 3 hours on high. Just a little patience, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Veggies:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat so your soup isn’t greasy!
2. Add to the Slow Cooker:
Transfer your delicious beef mixture into the slow cooker. This is where all the magic happens!
3. Mix in the Remaining Ingredients:
Now, add the marinara sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The longer you let it cook on low, the more the flavors will develop.
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they’re mixed in well, and cover the pot again. This will cook the noodles to the perfect tenderness!
6. Stir in the Ricotta:
Right before you’re ready to serve, gently stir in the ricotta cheese until it’s all mixed together nicely. This adds that creamy texture we all love!
7. Serve it Up!
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. For a fresh touch, add some basil or parsley as a garnish. Now, dig in and enjoy your hearty lasagna soup!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit less flavorful, so a little extra seasoning can help enhance the taste.
What If I Don’t Have Diced Tomatoes?
No worries! If you don’t have diced tomatoes on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or even fresh chopped tomatoes. Adjust the amount based on your preference for chunkiness in the soup!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking. This adds extra nutrients and flavor to your lasagna soup!
