Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup takes all the comforting, cheesy, tomato-rich flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a warm, hearty soup. Packed with Italian-seasoned ground meat, pasta, tomatoes, and layered with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, this set-it-and-forget-it meal delivers lasagna satisfaction with a fraction of the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food — rich, filling, and full of bold Italian flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make in the slow cooker, perfect for busy days, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. With tender noodles, savory broth, and gooey cheese, it’s a cozy bowl of goodness your whole family will love.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Crushed tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef or chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil and oregano (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or use rotini, penne, etc.)
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

directions

1. Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or sausage with diced onion until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain excess fat.
2. Add to slow cooker: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and seasonings.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Add pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna noodles (or your choice of pasta). Cook until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
5. Cheese layer (optional): In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt, pepper, and a bit of parsley.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a scoop of ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, and parmesan. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with garlic bread or a side salad.

Servings and timing

Serves 6–8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total time: About 6½ hours (low) or 3½ hours (high)

Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Use tortellini: Add refrigerated cheese tortellini during the last 30 minutes instead of broken pasta.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
• Low-carb option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles (add during the last 10 minutes).
• Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some liquid, so add a bit of broth or water when reheating on the stove or in the microwave. This soup also freezes well (without cheese topping) for up to 2 months — thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I put raw ground beef in the slow cooker?

It’s best to brown it first for flavor and to remove excess grease, but technically, yes — you can cook it raw with everything else if you’re short on time.

What type of pasta works best?

Broken lasagna noodles keep the “lasagna” vibe, but rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta all work well.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for 30–40 minutes, then add pasta and cook until tender.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, it’s a common swap and works well, especially mixed with herbs and parmesan.

How do I make it thicker or thinner?

Add more broth to thin it, or simmer uncovered with the lid off to reduce and thicken the soup.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini are great additions.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Add it only in the last 30 minutes of cooking and don’t overcook. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.

What’s the best cheese topping?

A mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan mimics classic lasagna layers beautifully.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Yes — freeze without pasta or cheese for the best texture, and add those fresh when reheating.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, skip the cheese topping or use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is everything you love about traditional lasagna — rich tomato flavor, savory meat, pasta, and cheesy goodness — in an easy, one-pot soup. It’s cozy, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Once you try it, this comforting soup is bound to become a regular in your cold-weather meal rotation.

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