Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, packed with all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna but with a cozy, soupy twist. It’s loaded with tender ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, all simmered slowly to bring out that amazing lasagna taste in every spoonful.
I love how easy this recipe is to throw together in the crockpot—just add your ingredients, let it cook while you go about your day, and come back to a comforting meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. One thing I always do is stir in some fresh basil at the end for a little pop of brightness that makes the soup feel extra special.
This soup is perfect for chilly evenings when you want something filling and heartwarming without the fuss of assembling a lasagna. I like to serve it with some crunchy garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop. Honestly, it’s a favorite in our house because it feels like lasagna night, but with way less cleanup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and protein. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or turkey sausage. I like beef for its deep taste, but turkey works well too.
No-boil lasagna noodles: These save time by cooking in the soup. If you can’t find these, regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces can work—just add them a bit earlier to give them time to cook.
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses: These bring creamy, melty goodness. If you want a dairy-free soup, use vegan cheese alternatives or omit the ricotta and add extra mozzarella.
Herbs (basil and oregano): Dried herbs give the soup its Italian flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end add brightness and freshness.
How Can You Get the Perfect Texture for the Lasagna Noodles in Your Soup?
Getting the noodles just right is key so they aren’t mushy or undercooked.
- Use no-boil noodles for convenience—they soften well in the crockpot liquid during the last 30 minutes.
- If using regular noodles, add them about 40-45 minutes before serving and check often for doneness.
- Stir gently when adding the noodles to avoid breaking them too much.
- Don’t add noodles too early, or they’ll soak up too much liquid and get mushy.
A little patience at this step means your soup will have that perfect bite, making it taste just like lasagna in a bowl!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and slow simmering flavors all day.
- Large skillet – you’ll brown the beef and sauté onions here before adding to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your seasoning and liquids just right.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more robust flavor.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggie goodness and texture.
- Stir in fresh spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes to boost greens and nutrients.
- Top with a spoonful of pesto before serving for a fresh, herby twist.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 3 to 7 hours cooking time in the crockpot, depending on your setting. Plan for about 30 minutes at the end to cook the noodles and add the cheesy topping, making it perfect for a slow, easy meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Onions:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion together, stirring often, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the fat.
2. Add Garlic and Transfer to Crockpot:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. Then, transfer the beef and onion mix to your crockpot.
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors!
4. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow simmering lets the flavors blend perfectly.
5. Cook the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Replace the lid and cook on high until the noodles are tender, typically 20-30 minutes.
6. Prepare the Cheesy Topping:
While the noodles cook, mix together the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and some chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pretty, fresh touch.
8. Enjoy!
Now sit back and savor your warm, cozy Crockpot Lasagna Soup—comfort food simplified and made delicious!
If you enjoyed this hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you may also love trying our Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup for a rich Tex-Mex twist. For a classic comfort option, don’t miss the Classic Beef Chili, packed with bold flavors. And if you’re craving a cozy pasta-based dish, our Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup makes the perfect warm and satisfying bowl.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Soup?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before browning. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing. This helps ensure even cooking and better texture.
Can I Substitute the Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! If you don’t have no-boil lasagna noodles, regular lasagna noodles or even broken spaghetti work fine. Just add them a little earlier and watch closely so they don’t get too soft.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Noodles may absorb more liquid, so add a splash of broth if it gets too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils or plant-based meat crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a tasty vegetarian version.