When the weather turns chilly and you crave something hearty and comforting, lasagna often comes to mind. But let’s be honest—traditional lasagna can be a bit of a hassle, with layers to assemble and lengthy baking times.
Enter slow cooker lasagna soup: a delicious, deconstructed version of the Italian classic that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. With all the rich flavors of lasagna in a warm, satisfying soup, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?
Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver for anyone juggling a busy schedule. They allow you to combine ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen while you focus on other tasks. This lasagna soup is no exception. It brings together the savory flavors of beef, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning with the convenience of slow cooking. Plus, the addition of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses gives it that unmistakable lasagna flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step adds depth of flavor while ensuring the meat is cooked thoroughly. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming overly oily. - Build the Base in Your Crockpot
Transfer the browned ground beef to your slow cooker. Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper for a touch of sweetness and texture. Next, pour in both the petite diced tomatoes and crushed tomatoes. These bring a robust tomato base to the soup. - Season It Right
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. These aromatics are key to achieving that classic lasagna taste. - Add the Broth
Carefully pour in the beef broth, which will serve as the liquid foundation for your soup. Mix everything together well to ensure all ingredients are combined. - Let It Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty base. - Cook the Noodles
After the initial cooking period is up, remove the lid and break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. Add them directly into the crockpot, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Replace the cover and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes or until the noodles are tender. - Serve and Garnish
Once the noodles are cooked, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that gooey, cheesy finish.
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Protein: If you prefer ground turkey or chicken over beef, feel free to swap it out. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat entirely and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works perfectly, fresh basil or parsley can add an extra burst of flavor when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly or let it simmer uncovered toward the end of cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow cooker lasagna soup is more than just an easy meal—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for busy weeks, or simply indulging in cozy vibes at home. The combination of tender noodles, savory beef, and creamy cheeses makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or looking for a simple weeknight dish, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna without the hassle. So dust off your slow cooker and give this lasagna soup a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintSlow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup combines all the cozy, cheesy flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy, hearty soup form. With ground beef, tender noodles, and a rich tomato base, it’s topped with melty mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan for the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Regular
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease.
2. Transfer beef to a 6-quart crockpot.
3. Add diced onion, red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
4. Pour in beef broth and stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
6. Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add to the crockpot.
7. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes until noodles are tender.
8. To serve, spoon soup into bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
• To avoid soggy noodles, wait to add them until just before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if too thick.
• Freezing tip: Freeze before adding the noodles for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
Leave a Comment