Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy and comforting bowl that brings together all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a thick, hearty soup. You’ll find tender noodles swimming in a rich tomato broth, plenty of Italian sausage or ground beef, melty cheese, and lots of herbs that make every spoonful taste like a warm, delicious hug.
I love how easy this soup is to make because everything goes into the crockpot, and by dinner time, you have this amazing meal waiting for you with very little effort. I usually load it up with extra parmesan on top and a sprinkle of fresh basil if I have it on hand. It’s the kind of recipe where you can really just toss in your favorite lasagna ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
One of my favorite things about this soup is how perfect it is for chilly evenings or when I want comfort food without all the fuss of baking a full lasagna. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or garlic toast to scoop up every tasty bite. It always feels like a special meal, even though it’s so simple to throw together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor and a bit of spice to the soup. If you want less fat or spice, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles save time, but you can use regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces if you prefer—they just need a little extra cooking time. You could substitute with broken spaghetti or any other pasta shape.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta gives that creamy texture and classic lasagna feel. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or mascarpone can be a nice alternative.
Tomato Base: The crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce create a rich, tangy broth. If you only have canned diced tomatoes, you can use them but crush them a bit before adding.
How Do I Get the Noodles Perfectly Tender in the Crockpot?
Adding noodles in a crockpot can be tricky because different types cook at different speeds. Here’s how I handle it:
- Cook the meat and onions first so the flavors build.
- Add noodles about 30 minutes before the soup is done. This way, they won’t overcook and become mushy.
- Keep the crockpot on low or warm after adding cheese to gently melt it without breaking the soup’s texture.
This timing helps the noodles cook through and stay tender but not soggy, giving you that perfect lasagna soup feel every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet – I like using a skillet to brown the sausage and onions; it’s quick and easy for flavor.
- Crockpot – This is key for slow cooking the flavors together and saving you time. A 6-quart size works well.
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping onions and garlic, which add lots of flavor.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients and break up the meat as it cooks.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For controlling seasons and liquids, ensuring consistency.
- Ladle or large spoon – To serve the soup and keep control over portion sizes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage for a lighter option, and add extra Italian herbs for flavor.
- Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini halfway through cooking for some greens.
- Replace ricotta with cottage cheese for a simpler, budget-friendly option.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add hot sauce if you like some heat with your soup.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 5-6 hours cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the crockpot. Then, about 30 minutes before serving, add the noodles and let them cook until tender. You’ll have a delicious, warm meal ready at the end of the day with very little hands-on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Onions:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground sausage (or beef) and chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any extra fat. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until you can smell its aroma.
2. Prepare the Soup Base in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture into your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like spice, plus salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover your crockpot and let everything cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This lets the flavors blend together nicely and the soup develop its rich taste.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir them in and let cook until tender — this usually takes around 30 minutes.
5. Mix in the Cheeses:
Switch the crockpot to warm or low heat. Gently stir in the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses until they melt and swirl into the soup, making it creamy and delicious.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle your lasagna soup into bowls. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and add some fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve it up hot with some crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground sausage or beef, but make sure to fully thaw it before browning. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed it up.
Can I Substitute Regular Pasta for No-Boil Lasagna Noodles?
Absolutely! You can use broken regular lasagna noodles or any other pasta like penne or rotini. Just add them about 30 minutes before the soup is done and allow time for them to cook until tender.
How Long Does Leftover Lasagna Soup Last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with your favorite plant-based meat alternative or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a tasty vegetarian version.
