Warm up with a bowl of ultimate comfort food: a delicious lasagna soup recipe crock pot style! This hearty, flavorful soup captures all the classic tastes of traditional lasagna in an easy, no-fuss format. Using your slow cooker means minimal active cooking time for you.
Slow cookers offer numerous advantages, including energy efficiency and the ability to keep food warm for entertaining, as highlighted by The Spruce Eats.
It’s truly perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and homemade without the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
You’re going to adore this simplified take on a beloved classic. It truly makes mealtime stress-free.
- Enjoy all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna without the complex layering. This soup delivers that iconic taste in every spoonful.
- Achieve a comforting meal with minimal active cooking time in the kitchen. Your slow cooker does most of the hard work for you.
- Experience the joy of a one-pot meal that simplifies cleanup significantly. Fewer dishes mean more time for yourself and your family.
- Serve a hearty, satisfying dish that is incredibly family-friendly and pleases even the pickiest eaters. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Benefit from a recipe that’s fantastic for meal prep and freezing. Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or save for later.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your incredible slow cooker lasagna soup:
- Ground beef: 1 pound (lean ground beef works best)
- Onion: ½, diced
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Petite diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, undrained
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 oz) can, undrained
- Minced garlic: 1 teaspoon (or 2-3 fresh cloves, minced)
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Beef broth: 4 cups (one standard carton)
- Lasagna noodles: 12 oz (break into pieces)
- Ricotta cheese: ½ cup
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this lasagna soup recipe crock pot style to your family’s preferences.
- Ground meat options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or mild or spicy Italian sausage for different flavors.
- Vegetable additions: Boost the nutrition by stirring in diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Tomato variations: If you don’t have crushed tomatoes, use an equal amount of marinara sauce or tomato sauce for a similar base.
- Spice adjustments: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or more for a bolder kick.
- Noodle alternatives: Instead of lasagna noodles, use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow ties for a different texture.
- Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, choose vegan ricotta and mozzarella alternatives to top your soup.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools for this easy recipe:
- 6-quart slow cooker: Essential for the low and slow cooking process.
- Large skillet: For browning your ground meat before it goes into the slow cooker.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately portion your ingredients.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up generous bowls of hot soup.
Instructions
Making this lasagna soup recipe crock pot style is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps for a comforting meal.
- First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Once thoroughly browned, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This helps keep your soup from being too oily.
- Transfer the cooked, drained ground beef directly into your 6-quart slow cooker.
- Next, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and the petite diced tomatoes, including their liquid.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Ensure these aromatics are well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Finally, pour in the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients in the pot.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid securely.
- Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours.
- Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, cook it on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours.
- Once the initial cooking time is complete, remove the lid. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces; I often break them over the crock pot to catch all crumbs. Stir these broken noodles into the hot soup.
- Cover the slow cooker once more.
- Continue to cook the soup on the HIGH setting for an additional 30-45 minutes.
- Cook until the lasagna noodles are perfectly tender, ensuring they are not mushy.
- Ladle the hot, delicious soup into individual serving bowls.
- Top each serving with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta cheese.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top for a decadent finish.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like, adding a fresh aromatic touch.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this slow cooker lasagna soup even better is easy with these simple tips.
- Browning the meat thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker significantly enhances the soup’s overall flavor depth. Don’t skip this step.
- According to the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, cooking ground beef to an internal temperature of at least 160°F helps to eliminate harmful bacteria like E. coli. Safe cooking temperatures for ground beef are crucial for preventing foodborne illness.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. This prevents them from becoming mushy and keeps their texture firm.
- Adjust liquid for desired consistency; if your soup is too thick, stir in more beef broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Use a good quality cheese blend for the best melt and flavor when serving. Freshly shredded cheeses always taste better.
- For a truly creamy soup, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end.
- To prevent mushy noodles entirely, you can cook them separately on the stovetop and add them directly to individual bowls just before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Elevate your slow cooker lasagna soup experience with these delightful serving ideas and simple variations.
- Serve your hearty soup alongside warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. They are perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Pair this comforting meal with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This adds a nice textural and flavor contrast.
- Add extra ground Italian sausage along with the beef for an even richer, more savory flavor profile. Brown it with the beef.
- Incorporate a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or kale into the soup during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt perfectly.
- Try different cheese blends for topping, such as a sharp provolone or a smoky fontina, to explore new flavor dimensions.
- Make it spicy by stirring in a teaspoon or more of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning. Adjust to your heat preference.
Storage & Freezing
Make the most of your delicious lasagna soup with proper storage techniques.
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container once it has completely cooled down.
- Refrigerate the soup for 5-7 days. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- For freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. The noodles can become mushy upon thawing.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup, reheat it, and then add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
- The best reheating methods are gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy a comforting meal that provides satisfying nutrition. Here is an estimated breakdown per serving for this lasagna soup recipe crock pot:
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~605 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~52 g |
| Protein | ~36 g |
| Fat | ~28 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~13 g |
| Cholesterol | ~90 mg |
| Sodium | ~1143 mg |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sugar | ~6 g |
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This information is for general guidance only.
FAQ
Got questions about making your easy slow cooker lasagna soup? We’ve got answers.
- Can I freeze lasagna soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup base without the noodles for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when reheating.
- What if my soup is too thick/thin? Adjust consistency by stirring in more beef broth or water if it’s too thick, or a cornstarch slurry if it’s too thin.
- Can I add cheese to the pot while cooking? It’s best to add cheese as a topping when serving, as adding it directly to the pot can result in a grainy texture.
- What kind of noodles are best? Regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces work perfectly, but you can also use other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or penne.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? This lasagna soup recipe crock pot can be made gluten-free by simply using gluten-free lasagna noodles or your preferred gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This easy lasagna soup recipe crock pot style brings all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna straight to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s truly a game-changer for busy parents and beginners looking for simple, delicious meals. Embrace the convenience of your slow cooker and enjoy a deeply flavorful, hearty soup that tastes like it took hours of effort. Gather your family, prepare this comforting dish, and savor every spoonful of this incredible weeknight win.
