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Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving all the cozy comfort of a classic Italian dinner but want something quicker and simpler, this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is right up your alley. Imagine all those rich, familiar flavors of lasagna wrapped up in a warm, hearty soup that practically makes itself while you go about your day. I’ve found it to be a lifesaver on busy evenings when you want that homemade feel without stressing over layers and baking times.

One of the best parts? This recipe is incredibly forgiving and super straightforward, making it perfect whether you’re a slow cooker rookie or a seasoned pro. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser—my family requests it all the time! Once you try this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in my meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a special role, bringing classic lasagna flavors into a comforting broth. I recommend shopping for fresh garlic and good-quality marinara—that really elevates the soup to the next level.

  • Lean ground beef: I like using lean beef for a flavorful base without too much grease floating on top.
  • Kosher salt: This enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right bit of bite and warmth.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful but not overly salty, giving you control over seasoning.
  • Marinara sauce: The heart of the soup — look for a jar with herbs and garlic already in it for extra depth.
  • Small onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base.
  • Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is a must for that punch of flavor that canned or pre-minced just can’t match.
  • Italian seasoning: I use a blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to keep it traditional.
  • Parmesan cheese rind (optional): If you can snag one from your cheese wedge, it adds a lovely umami boost while cooking.
  • Dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces: I find breaking them makes the soup easier to eat and helps everything meld perfectly.
  • Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (for serving): Melts beautifully on top for that gooey finish.
  • Ricotta cheese (for serving): Adds creamy dollops that balance the savory broth.
  • Torn fresh basil leaves (for serving): Fresh herbs brighten up the dish and give it a pop of color.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe flexible based on what I’ve got on hand or who’s coming to dinner. Feel free to tweak it to suit your mood or dietary needs—it’s all about making this soup yours.

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, meat-free version that tastes just as comforting.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara to give your soup some heat—I love how that wakes up the flavors.
  • Cheese lovers’ dream: Mix in shredded provolone or parmesan alongside the mozzarella for an extra cheesy experience.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with broken rice noodles—just check the cooking time as they can vary.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Start by giving that ground beef a good sear in a skillet until it’s nicely browned. This little step adds a ton of flavor and helps prevent any unwanted greasiness in your soup later. Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and garlic for another minute or two—this wakes up their sweetness and gives the soup a cozy base. Drain any excess fat before transferring everything to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Next, add the marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and the Parmesan rind (if you have it) right into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to blend those flavors. Toss in your broken lasagna noodles last and stir gently to make sure they’re evenly distributed but not all clumped together.

Step 3: Set and Forget

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The noodles will cook tender in the broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Peek in near the end to check noodle tenderness—you want them soft but not mushy, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always serve this soup with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta cheese—it feels like a little lasagna hug in every bowl. Toss some torn fresh basil leaves on top for a bright, fresh contrast that just wakes up all those rich flavors. If you want a little extra, a dusting of grated parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil goes beautifully here too.

Side Dishes

For a full Italian-inspired meal, I love pairing this soup with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread. It balances the richness of the soup and makes dinner feel that much more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, try serving Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe in rustic mugs or mini crocks and top each with different cheeses or fresh herbs for a personalized touch. It’s perfect for casual entertaining or even an informal date night at home—everyone loves a comforting bowl served with care.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover lasagna soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers just as satisfying. Just be sure to remove any dollops of cheese before storing or add fresh ones when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time. I recommend freezing it without the cheesy toppings—add those fresh when you reheat. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers or bags, then thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up gently on the stove.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in the fridge. This helps keep the noodles tender and the soup silky.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe without ground beef?

    Absolutely! You can swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, sauté mushrooms or use lentils to keep the soup hearty and filling without sacrificing flavor.

  2. Will the noodles get mushy in the slow cooker?

    They can if you cook the soup too long. I recommend checking the noodles at the 4-hour mark (on low) to make sure they’re tender but still have a little bite. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as slow cooker temps can vary.

  3. Can I prepare this soup in the morning and let it cook all day?

    Yes! One of the best parts of this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is how perfect it is for all-day cooking. Just set it to low in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a delicious, comforting dinner waiting for you.

  4. Do I need to add the Parmesan rind?

    The Parmesan rind is optional but highly recommended if you have it. It adds a wonderful depth and subtle nuttiness to the soup as it simmers, making the flavor even richer.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe has become one of my favorite comfort foods for good reason—it’s hassle-free, packed with classic flavors, and comforting in every spoonful. If you’ve been looking for a simple way to enjoy the taste of lasagna without the fuss, this soup is your answer. Give it a try on a chilly day, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, you and your family are going to love it!

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Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for cozy meals. Ground beef, Italian seasonings, marinara sauce, and broken lasagna noodles slow cook together to develop rich flavor, topped with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh basil for a homestyle Italian experience in bowl form.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional)
  • 8 ounces dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces (8 to 10 sheets)

For serving:

  • 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • Torn fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.
  2. Prepare the slow cooker: Add the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce, 1 small diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and optionally the Parmesan cheese rind for extra flavor.
  3. Cook the soup: Stir ingredients gently to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to become rich.
  4. Add noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add 8 ounces of broken dried lasagna noodles into the slow cooker. Stir well and continue cooking until the noodles are tender, usually about 25 to 30 minutes.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese, and torn fresh basil leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth along with extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
  • The Parmesan rind adds depth but is optional; you can skip it if unavailable.
  • Lasagna noodles will thicken the soup, so add them only towards the end to avoid overcooking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.

Keywords: Lasagna soup, slow cooker soup, Italian soup, lasagna noodles, ground beef soup, comfort food soup

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