There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of soup. This Crockpot Lasagna Soup captures all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic lasagna. It’s a truly magical dish for busy weeknights. I love how it brings a taste of Italy right to our slow cooker.
This easy lasagna soup is a family favorite. It’s perfect for those days when you need a simple comfort meal. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick lunch. It truly makes mealtime a breeze.
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a game-changer for me. It’s unbelievably simple to throw together. Dinner is practically on autopilot! It delivers that comforting, rich lasagna taste without all the layering hassle. It’s perfect when you’re craving Italian comfort food.
- Effortless weeknight dinners.
- Big Italian flavor.
- Minimal cleanup.
- Crowd-pleasing every time.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Ingredients
Gathering these simple ingredients feels like assembling a flavor puzzle. Each one plays a starring role. They come together to create a rich, satisfying soup. It truly tastes like a hug in a bowl.
- Ground Beef: This forms the savory base. It gives the soup a hearty, robust flavor. Think of it as the foundation.
- Ground Beef: This forms the savory base. It gives the soup a robust flavor. Think of it as the foundation.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build depth. They add a wonderful sweetness and pungent kick.
- Crushed and Diced Tomatoes: These are the soul of the soup. They bring bright acidity and a luscious tomatoey essence.
- Beef Broth and Bullion: These liquids create the rich soup base. They boost that deep, savory beef flavor.
- Tomato Paste: A little goes a long way. It intensifies the tomato taste.
- Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Oregano): These dried herbs are quintessential Italian flavors. They just make everything taste more authentic and delicious.
- Lasagna Noodles: These little guys soak up all the amazing flavors. They add a delightful chewiness.
Substitutions and Tips
Feeling creative? Swap ground beef for Italian sausage. For a vegetarian Crockpot Lasagna Soup, try plant-based crumbles. Don’t have beef bullion? Vegetable broth works too. Feel free to add extra veggies like chopped carrots or bell peppers. They add amazing texture. Season generously with salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings *before* you serve it.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Making this hearty soup is a breeze. You’ll be amazed at the flavor from such simple steps. It’s a truly stress-free cooking experience. Let’s get this delicious slow cooker lasagna soup started!
Step 1: Prepare the Base
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. Season this mixture with salt and pepper. This creates a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Combine and Slow Cook
Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Add beef broth and both cans of tomatoes. Stir in the beef bullion granules. Pour in the water next. Add the tomato paste. Sprinkle in the dried parsley, basil, and oregano. Give it all a good stir. Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This slow cooker lasagna soup builds deep flavor.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
Once cooking time is almost up, it’s noodle time! Stir the broken lasagna noodles into the soup. Make sure they are submerged. Cover the slow cooker again. Cook for another 30–40 minutes. You want the noodles perfectly tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the warm Crockpot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top with your favorite additions. Ricotta cheese is wonderful. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully. Fresh basil and parsley add a bright finish. This easy lasagna soup is ready to impress your family!
PrintCrockpot Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 to 8.5 hours
- Total Time: 4 to 9 hours
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crockpot Lasagna Soup that captures the essence of lasagna in a comforting soup form, perfect for a slow cooker meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth or stock
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon beef bullion granules (or 1 cube, crushed)
- 2 cups water
- 4 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- Optional Toppings: Ricotta cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, freshly chopped basil, freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook and crumble ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic to beef. Cook until beef is brown and onion is soft. Drain any grease. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the cooked beef in a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Add the broth, both tomatoes, beef bullion, water, tomato paste, parsley, basil, and oregano. Stir well. Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours OR on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
- When cooking time is up, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover with the lid and cook another 30 to 40 minutes on low heat, or until noodles are tender. Don’t overcook the noodles.
- Serve soup warm in individual bowls with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure noodles are not overcooked to maintain their texture.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
How to Store Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Leftover Crockpot Lasagna Soup stores beautifully. It’s perfect for making ahead!
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. This slow cooker lasagna soup is great for meal prep.
For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips for Success
- Quality Ingredients Matter. Using good quality crushed tomatoes makes a difference.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles. Test them at the 30-minute mark. They can get mushy fast.
- Season as You Go. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving your crockpot lasagna soup.
- Add Veggies! Toss in chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms with the beef.
- Spice It Up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet for browning beef. A non-stick pan works best.
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Any brand will do.
- Cutting board and knife for onions.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring.
Serving Suggestions
- A crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
- A simple side salad with vinaigrette complements the richness.
- Consider a light white wine or sparkling water.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the soup base without the noodles. Cool it completely and store it in the fridge. Add the noodles when you’re ready to reheat and serve. This makes serving a hearty meal even easier.
What if I don’t have ground beef?
No problem! You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef. For a vegetarian Crockpot Lasagna Soup, try using plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms. This slow cooker lasagna soup is wonderfully versatile.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
The key is not overcooking them. Add the broken lasagna noodles during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking. Check them for tenderness at the lower end of that time. They should be al dente, not falling apart.
Can I make this a vegetarian Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can! Omit the ground beef entirely. Instead, add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. You can also use vegetarian crumbles or lentils for a heartier feel. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a truly vegetarian dish.