Crockpot lasagna soup transforms the classic Italian comfort dish into a warm, hearty bowl of deliciousness that’s both easier to make and just as satisfying as the original. This soul-warming soup captures all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna savory meat, aromatic herbs, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheeses but lets your slow cooker do all the hard work while you go about your day.
Growing up, lasagna was always a labor of love in my kitchen layers upon layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce that required hours of attention. But as life got busier, I started experimenting with ways to capture those same beloved flavors without the fuss. That’s when this crockpot lasagna soup became my secret weapon for family dinners that taste like I’ve been cooking all day (when really, my trusty slow cooker was doing the heavy lifting!).
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade comfort food without the hands-on time. The slow cooking process married with ricotta dollops creates a depth of flavor that’s truly restaurant-worthy. I always recommend preparing the meat base the night before to save even more time just store it in the refrigerator and add it to your crockpot in the morning with the remaining ingredients for an easy chicken corn chowder alternative that will warm your soul all day long.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This crockpot lasagna soup combines the hearty foundations of both Italian lasagna and soothing soup in one magnificent dish. The ground beef and Italian sausage provide richness, while garlic and herbs create that classic lasagna flavor profile. I always use a combination of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for depth the full list and measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make crockpot lasagna soup
This crockpot lasagna soup comes together in simple stages that build incredible flavor. First, you’ll brown the meats with aromatics, then transfer to your slow cooker with the tomato base and seasonings for a long, slow simmer that develops rich, lasagna-like complexity. The pasta gets added near the end, and everything is finished with a heavenly cheese mixture that creates that unmistakable lasagna experience in each spoonful. Similar to my crockpot hamburger potato casserole, this recipe lets the slow cooker transform simple ingredients into something truly special.
Hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and brown sugar to the slow cooker.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Remove and discard bay leaves. Stir the soup well.
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad if desired.
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This crockpot lasagna soup
After making this crockpot lasagna soup dozens of times for my family, I’ve discovered some tricks that take it from good to phenomenal:
• Brown your meat thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker those caramelized bits add incredible depth of flavor to the final soup.
• Use regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces rather than pre-broken pasta shapes they hold up better during slow cooking and give that authentic lasagna texture.
My Secret Trick: I always add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. It imparts an incredible savory quality that makes everyone wonder what my special ingredient is!
• For the ricotta topping, I mix it with a bit of lemon zest and fresh basil to brighten the entire dish – this contrast with the rich soup creates magical spoonfuls that keep everyone coming back for more.
Fun Variations for crockpot lasagna soup
Vegetarian Delight
Transform this crockpot lasagna soup into a meatless wonder by swapping the ground meats for a mixture of chopped mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. I love adding extra garlic and a dash of smoked paprika when making the vegetarian version – it maintains that hearty depth while being completely plant-based.
Spicy Kick
Add heat to your crockpot lasagna soup with additional red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce. My husband always requests this version during winter months, claiming the extra spice keeps him warm twice over!
Creamy Twist
For an even more indulgent version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates a luscious texture that reminds me of the creamy tomato soups my grandmother would make – pure comfort in a bowl that’s perfect when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Seasonal Special
In summer, I love adding fresh sweet corn kernels and diced zucchini to my crockpot lasagna soup during the final hour of cooking. These garden-fresh additions bring brightness to the rich tomato base and make wonderful use of seasonal produce.
What to Serve With crockpot lasagna soup
The beauty of crockpot lasagna soup is how wonderfully it pairs with simple sides to create a complete meal. Here are my favorite companions:
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian loaf for dipping into that flavorful broth – I brush mine with herb butter and toast it until golden for the perfect soup companion.
• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. My family loves when I toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, and shaved parmesan for a peppery contrast.
• For a truly Italian-inspired meal, serve small dishes of marinated olives and roasted red peppers alongside your crockpot lasagna soup, just as they do in my crockpot marry me chicken recipe that always impresses guests.
• Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil makes a beautiful starter that complements the cooked tomato flavors in the soup while providing textural contrast.
How to Store crockpot lasagna soup
Refrigerator Storage
Leftover crockpot lasagna soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I recommend storing the soup and cheese topping separately in airtight containers to maintain the best textures and flavors. The soup actually tastes even better the second day as the flavors continue to develop!
Freezing Tips
This soup freezes exceptionally well without the pasta and cheese topping. I portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving out the noodles and dairy, and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, I simply cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the hot soup, then top with freshly prepared cheese mixture.
Reheating Your Soup
When reheating crockpot lasagna soup, warm it slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. I find that adding a splash of broth helps refresh the consistency if it’s thickened during storage. For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutritional Benefits
This crockpot lasagna soup offers several nutritional highlights beyond just comfort. The tomato base provides lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health, while the protein from beef and Italian sausage helps with satiety. When made with whole grain lasagna noodles, you’ll get additional fiber that makes this hearty soup both satisfying and nourishing.
FAQs
Can I make crockpot lasagna soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Brown the meat mixture up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Morning of serving, combine with remaining ingredients in your slow cooker. For best results, add noodles and cheese mixture just before serving.
Can I use different pasta shapes in this recipe?
Yes! While broken lasagna noodles provide authentic texture, any sturdy pasta like rotini or penne works well. Adjust cooking time slightly as smaller shapes may cook faster than lasagna pieces.
Is crockpot lasagna soup gluten-free?
Not in its original form, but it’s easy to adapt! Simply substitute regular noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta, and verify your broths and tomato products are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Add noodles during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking for al dente texture. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls when serving, especially if you anticipate leftovers.