I’ve been on a mission to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor, and this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is my latest obsession. There’s something magical about dumping ingredients into a pot in the morning and coming home to the rich, savory aroma of Italian comfort food. No fussy layering, no babysitting the stove—just hearty, cheesy goodness that warms you from the inside out. Want to know how a few minutes of morning prep can transform your weeknight dinner game forever?
Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Comfort in a bowl. That’s what this lasagna soup delivers on those busy weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t have time to layer traditional lasagna.
I’m telling you, there’s nothing better than coming home to the aroma of Italian herbs and savory beef that’s been simmering all day.
You’ll appreciate how this recipe transforms a labor-intensive classic into a dump-and-go crockpot meal. The broken noodles cook right in the broth, and that magical trio of cheeses—ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella—creates the creamy finish we all crave.
What Ingredients are in Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?
This delicious lasagna soup requires simple ingredients that blend together for that classic Italian flavor you crave, without all the fuss of traditional lasagna.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 4-6 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Feel free to adjust the beef broth amount depending on how thick or soupy you prefer your lasagna soup, and you could even substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage if you’re looking to change up the flavor profile.
How to Make this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Take 1 lb of ground beef and brown it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
Once fully cooked, drain off the excess fat to keep your soup from becoming too greasy.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the browned beef, 1 diced onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 24 oz marinara sauce, 4-6 cups of beef broth (depending on how thick you want your soup), and 1 tbsp Italian seasoning into your crockpot.
For easier food preparation, consider using a stand mixer baking set to quickly mix your marinara and seasonings before adding them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Set Your Slow Cooker
Stir all ingredients to combine, then cover and set your slow cooker to low heat.
Let the soup simmer for 6-8 hours, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Lasagna Noodles
After the slow cooking period, break 8 oz of lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-inch squares work well) and add them to the hot soup.
The irregular shapes give the soup that authentic lasagna feel.
Step 5: Cook Until Noodles Are Tender
Continue cooking on low for an additional 30-45 minutes until the noodles are tender.
Remember, pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you might want to err on the al dente side.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Mixture
Just before serving, stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese until melted.
This enriches the broth with that classic Italian cheese flavor we all crave.
Step 7: Serve with Cheese Toppings
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top each serving with a dollop of 1/2 cup ricotta cheese and a generous sprinkle of 1 cup mozzarella.
The heat from the soup will slightly melt these cheeses, creating that stretchy, gooey lasagna experience.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This hearty, cheesy soup is practically a meal on its own, but a few simple sides can round out your dinner perfectly. A crisp Caesar salad or some garlic bread for dunking makes this comfort food complete—and who doesn’t love sopping up that rich tomato broth with crusty Italian bread?
For something lighter, try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese.
If you’re serving this for dinner (which, trust me, is its sweet spot), consider pouring a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement those Italian flavors.
And don’t forget extra parmesan for sprinkling on top—there’s no such thing as too much cheese when it comes to lasagna, even in soup form!
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Substitutions and Variations
This soup is incredibly adaptable to what you have on hand or dietary needs:
- Protein Options: Swap ground beef for Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for vegetarians.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use any short pasta like rotini or farfalle instead of lasagna noodles. For gluten-free, try rice-based pasta or zucchini ribbons.
- Dairy Adjustments: Lactose-sensitive? Try dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Cottage cheese works as a ricotta substitute.
- Flavor Boosters: Add red pepper flakes for heat, fresh basil before serving, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
- Veggie Add-ins: Sneak in extra nutrition with spinach, mushrooms, or shredded carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- Topping Bar: Set out fresh herbs, extra cheese, croutons, or a dollop of pesto and let everyone customize their bowl.
Leftovers and Storage for this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This hearty soup stores beautifully and might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld. Here’s how to handle those delicious leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Option: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. The pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains wonderful.
- Reheating Tips: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Pasta Consideration: The noodles will continue to absorb liquid while stored. To prevent soggy pasta, you might consider storing some soup base separately and adding freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup brings together all the flavors you love about traditional lasagna but in a comforting, spoonable form.
The rich tomato base, savory ground beef, and that incredible three-cheese finish create something truly magical that tastes like it took hours of hands-on work.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to come home to something hearty and homemade, or weekend gatherings when you’d rather spend time with family than babysit a complicated meal.
As temperatures drop and schedules fill, there’s something deeply satisfying about letting your crockpot transform simple ingredients into this soul-warming Italian-inspired soup.