There is nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of soup. This dump-and-go crockpot lasagna soup delivers all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna without any of the complicated layering or long baking times. It’s a truly comforting meal that feels special but requires minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. This simple recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
This easy lasagna soup is a game-changer for busy families and anyone craving a satisfying meal. It effortlessly combines convenience with classic, beloved flavors. Here is why you will fall in love with this incredible lasagna soup crockpot:
- Classic Lasagna Flavor: Enjoy the familiar taste of cheesy, tomato-rich lasagna in a slurpable, cozy soup form. All the comfort, none of the fuss.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, this dump-and-go recipe is incredibly simple. Just brown the meat, add everything to the slow cooker, and walk away.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this an ideal meal for days when you’re short on time but still want a wholesome dinner. The Spruce Eats highlights that slow cookers free up your oven and stovetop for other dishes and use less energy than a standard electric oven.
- One-Pot Wonder: Browning the meat in a skillet is the only step outside the slow cooker, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
- Completely Customizable: You can easily swap proteins, add vegetables, or adjust the cheese to make this slow cooker lasagna soup recipe your own.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup Crockpot Recipe
To create this delicious crockpot lasagna soup recipe, you will need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. This combination creates a rich, savory broth and perfectly captures that classic lasagna taste.
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth
- 12 ounces of lasagna noodles
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Meat: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage (beef or chicken-based) for a different flavor profile. As WebMD explains, beef is a good source of protein and other nutrients, but should be eaten in moderation.
- Tomatoes: If you have marinara sauce on hand, you can use it in place of the crushed tomatoes for a slightly different taste. Tomato sauce also works in a pinch.
- Cheese: Don’t have ricotta? Cottage cheese can provide a similar creamy texture. For the topping, an Italian cheese blend works beautifully instead of separate mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Pasta: Broken lasagna noodles give this dish its signature feel, but you can use rotini, penne, or small shells if that’s what you have. Adjust the final cooking time as needed for smaller pasta shapes.
- Vegetables: Sneak in extra nutrients by adding a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking or some diced zucchini at the beginning.
Essential Equipment To make This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
You only need a couple of basic kitchen tools to bring this easy soup recipe to life. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and effortless.
- 6-Quart Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model is the perfect size for this recipe, giving the ingredients enough room to simmer without overflowing.
- Large Skillet: You will need a skillet to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Lasagna Soup Crockpot Recipe
Making this lasagna soup recipe crockpot is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl of comfort every time.
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller crumbles as it cooks. Once it is fully browned, carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step is key to a rich, not greasy, soup base.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
- Next, transfer the cooked ground beef into your 6-quart crockpot. Add the diced onion, diced red bell pepper, undrained petite diced tomatoes, and crushed tomatoes. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add Broth and Cook
- Pour the beef broth over all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to combine. Secure the lid and set your crockpot to cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Let the flavors meld together into a delicious, aromatic base for your crockpot lasagna soup.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Once the initial cooking time is complete, remove the lid. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces directly over the crockpot, allowing all the small shards to fall into the soup. Stir the noodles into the liquid, making sure they are fully submerged.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Cover the crockpot again and cook on HIGH for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. To serve, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a dusting of Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully into the hot soup.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Follow these simple tips to ensure your crockpot lasagna soup turns out perfectly every time. A few small adjustments can make a big difference.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Check the noodles around the 30-minute mark. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and absorb too much broth.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning.
- Use Quality Broth: A good-quality beef broth will provide a richer, more flavorful base for your soup.
- Submerge the Noodles: Ensure all the broken noodle pieces are fully submerged in the broth to ensure they cook evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley just before serving can brighten up the flavors of this hearty soup.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile soup is wonderful on its own, but you can easily turn it into an even more memorable meal with the right pairings and variations.
What to Serve With Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- This hearty lasagna soup pairs perfectly with crusty garlic bread for dipping into the rich tomato broth. A simple Caesar salad or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. For a more complete meal, serve it alongside steamed green beans or roasted broccoli.
How to Store & Freeze Lasagna Soup Crockpot
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. You can freeze it with the noodles, but for the best texture, freeze the soup base without them and cook fresh pasta when you reheat. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Variations
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a kick of heat.
- Creamy: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier broth.
- Vegetable-Loaded: Bulk up the soup with more vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or celery.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup Nutrition Information
This crockpot lasagna soup is a wonderfully hearty and filling meal that delivers a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and flavor. It provides a satisfying serving that will keep you full and energized. The combination of ground beef and cheese offers substantial protein, while the tomatoes and peppers contribute essential vitamins. This dish proves that delicious comfort food can also be a well-rounded option for dinner. Please note that the nutritional values are an estimate.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Serving | 6g |
| Calories | 605kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Trans Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 1143mg |
| Potassium | 737mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Vitamin A | 1131IU |
| Vitamin C | 32mg |
| Calcium | 410mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna Soup
Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious lasagna soup in a crockpot.
Can I add the ricotta cheese directly into the slow cooker?
It is best to add the ricotta as a topping when serving. Stirring it in during cooking can cause it to curdle and change the soup’s texture.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil noodles work well in this recipe. You can add them broken up during the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, just like regular noodles.
How can I thicken my crockpot lasagna soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it in during the last 30 minutes.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. To add substance, include hearty vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or extra zucchini.
Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?
To make this gluten-free, simply substitute the lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to adjust the final cooking time according to the package directions.
Conclusion
This crockpot lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfectly blending the rich flavors of a classic dish with the unbeatable convenience of a slow cooker. It is a hearty, delicious, and incredibly easy meal that is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. The simple dump-and-go prep makes it accessible for even the busiest of days, proving that you do not need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a memorable meal.
I hope you and your family love this recipe as much as we do. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments
Dump-and-Go Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 6 quart crock pot
- Bowls
- Spoon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes 14.5 oz can
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz can
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 4 cups beef broth 1 carton
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
Toppings
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through, then drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to a 6-quart crock pot.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes to the crock pot.
- Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning.
- Pour the beef broth into the crock pot.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- After initial cooking, remove the lid, break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, and stir them into the soup.
- Cover and continue cooking on high for 30-45 minutes until the noodles are cooked through.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a tablespoon of ricotta cheese, a handful of mozzarella, and shredded Parmesan cheese.