Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

If you love the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but don’t have the time to layer everything together, this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. Packed with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based broth, this soup delivers all the goodness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. The slow cooker does the hard work, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while you go about your day. This easy, one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Not only is this soup warm, cozy, and satisfying, but it’s also incredibly customizable! You can swap in different meats, adjust the seasonings to your liking, or even make it vegetarian. Top it with creamy ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil for the ultimate lasagna-inspired experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for your family, this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simply brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it simmer to perfection.
• All the Flavors of Lasagna: Enjoy the comforting taste of traditional lasagna without the layering and baking.
• Great for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
• Customizable: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat to suit your dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy, hearty dish.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 ½ cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (for topping)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once it’s fully cooked, drain excess grease and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Base Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Season the Soup

Add the Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together until the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir well and let them cook until tender.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Ingredient Background

• Ground Beef: Provides a hearty, savory base for the soup. You can swap it for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
• Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they give the soup its classic lasagna feel.
• Tomato Base: A mix of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes creates a rich, well-balanced broth.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme enhances the lasagna-like flavor.
• Ricotta & Mozzarella: These cheeses melt into the soup, giving it that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Technique Tips

• Prevent Overcooked Pasta: Add the lasagna noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid mushiness.
• Make it Creamier: Stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese directly into the soup for a rich, creamy texture.
• Boost the Flavor: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun and hearty presentation.
• Casserole-Style: Let the soup thicken slightly and top it with extra cheese before broiling for a few minutes.
• Appetizer Portions: Serve in small ramekins with a piece of toasted garlic bread on the side.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness to the soup.
• Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker consistency, stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
• Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Adds fiber and nutrients.
• Swap for Ground Turkey: A leaner protein option.
• Reduce the Cheese: Cut back on the cheese to lower fat and calories.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Nights: Pair with garlic knots for a filling meal.
• Holiday Gatherings: Serve in small cups as an appetizer.
• Potlucks: Bring in a slow cooker for easy serving.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Skillet (for browning the meat)
• Ladle (for serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for about 45 minutes before adding the pasta.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work well.

3. How do I make this soup thicker?

Let it simmer uncovered for a while, or stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need about 5-6 large tomatoes, peeled and diced.

5. What other toppings can I use?

Try fresh parsley, crumbled feta, or a drizzle of olive oil.

6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

7. Can I use store-bought pasta sauce?

Yes, but reduce the salt and adjust seasonings as needed.

8. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

9. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To make Instant Pot Lasagna Soup, use the sauté function to brown the meat and onions. Add the garlic, tomatoes, broth, and seasonings, then lock the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Quick-release, stir in the pasta, and let it cook on the sauté setting for about 5-7 minutes until tender.

10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, lentils, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.

11. How do I prevent the pasta from getting too soft?

Pasta absorbs liquid over time, so to prevent it from becoming mushy, add it only during the last 30 minutes of slow cooking. If you’re making this soup for meal prep, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings when reheating.

12. Can I freeze this soup if it has pasta in it?

Yes, but the pasta may become mushy when thawed. To prevent this, freeze the soup without the pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating. If you’ve already added the pasta before freezing, expect a slightly softer texture when reheated.

13. How can I make this soup low-carb?

For a low-carb version, replace the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles. You can also reduce the amount of tomatoes slightly to lower the carbohydrate content.

14. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes! Cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in this soup, offering a similar creamy texture but with more protein and fewer calories. Blend it slightly for a smoother consistency if desired.

15. What can I serve with lasagna soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it with a grilled cheese sandwich or bruschetta.

16. Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! This soup is very versatile. Consider adding bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrients and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly if you add a lot of extra veggies.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal, this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a perfect choice. It combines all the classic flavors of lasagna in a rich, hearty, and cheesy soup, without the hassle of layering and baking. The slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s deeply flavorful and satisfying.

One of the best things about this soup is its versatility. Whether you prefer a meaty, vegetarian, gluten-free, or low-carb version, this recipe is easy to adapt. You can adjust the seasonings, swap ingredients, and even make it dairy-free if needed. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later.

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