The Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe (Family Favorite!)

Ever crave the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna but don’t have the time or energy for all that layering? You’re not alone! If you want all the classic flavors of your favorite Italian comfort food with a fraction of the work you’re going to love this slow cooker lasagna soup. So, how do you make a simple lasagna soup in a slow cooker? It’s as easy as browning some meat, tossing in pantry staples like tomatoes and broth, and letting your crockpot work its magic. Let’s dive into how you can enjoy this “dump and go” meal that’s truly the best slow cooker lasagna soup you’ll ever try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Dump & Go Simplicity: Minimal prep. Everything comes together easily in your slow cooker.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: All the cheesy, savory notes of classic lasagna in cozy soup form.
• Cheesy & Comforting: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make it extra creamy and irresistible.
• Customizable: Use ground beef, turkey, or go vegetarian. Adjust the cheese or add veggies!
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare in advance—this soup keeps and freezes beautifully.

If you’ve ever thought lasagna is too much work, you’ll be amazed at how a slow cooker turns the same flavors into a foolproof, one-pot meal.

Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Let’s break down what you’ll need. Don’t worry you probably already have most of these ingredients!

Core Ingredients

• Ground Beef (or Italian sausage or ground turkey): 1 pound, for rich, savory flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped for depth and sweetness.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced (the more the merrier, I say!).
• Lasagna Noodles: 8-10, broken into bite-sized pieces (no pre-cooking needed!).
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz), for that classic robust base.
• Tomato Sauce: 1 can (15 oz), for extra body and flavor.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons. Or use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and parsley.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch, for a gentle heat.
• Low-Sodium Beef or Chicken Broth: 6 cups.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste.

For Serving (The Cheesy Toppings!)

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and dreamy. Cottage cheese works, too, for a lighter option.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded, for gooey goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a pop of color and flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

• Carrots, shredded or diced (add sweetness).
• Bell Peppers, chopped.
• Spinach or Kale (stir in near the end).
• Mushrooms, sliced.
• Red or White Wine (1/4 cup, for depth).

Keeping it simple? Stick with just the basics and you’ll still have the best slow cooker lasagna soup. Want to sneak in some veggies? The soup welcomes them gladly!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown Your Meat and Onion (The Only Step at the Stove!)
   In a large skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef (or turkey/sausage) with chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. This only takes about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
   (Pro tip: If you’re really pressed for time, you can skip this and add raw beef to the slow cooker—it will cook through, but browning adds the BEST flavor.)
2. Add to Slow Cooker.
   Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and salt & pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and Cook.
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Add Noodles.
   About 30 minutes before eating, break the uncooked lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Cover and continue to cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are al dente.
   (They’ll cook faster if your slow cooker is already hot! If you prefer, you can also precook the noodles and stir them in just before serving.)
5. Serve with Cheesy Toppings.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and plenty of grated Parmesan and fresh herbs. The cheeses melt into the hot soup—pure heaven!

Tips for the Best Results

• Browning = Big Flavor: Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker deepens the flavor in every bite.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add them at the end—they’ll get mushy if left too long.
• Add the Cheese Fresh: Rather than stirring it directly into the pot, dollop ricotta (and mozzarella) in each serving for that irresistible lasagna texture.
• Want Thicker Soup? Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. The noodles soak up more liquid as it rests.
• For a Lower-Fuss, Dump & Go Version: Skip the browning step, but increase seasoning to compensate. The result will still be delicious, especially on ultra-busy days!

Easy Variations & Substitutions

One of the best parts about slow cooker lasagna soup? You can make it your own! Here’s how:

Make It Vegetarian

• Swap the meat for extra mushrooms, zucchini, or a can of drained lentils or white beans.
• Use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

• Use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles. Cooking times may vary, so monitor them as they soften.

Lighter Option

• Substitute lean ground turkey or chicken.
• Use part-skim ricotta and lower-fat mozzarella.

For Extra Veggies

• Add chopped spinach, shredded carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Stir greens in during the last 15 minutes.

Spicy Kick

• Increase crushed red pepper, add a diced jalapeño, or use hot Italian sausage.

No matter how you tweak it, this slow cooker lasagna soup easily ranks as the best weeknight dinner—so flexible and forgiving!

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Ladle into deep bowls, add a big spoonful of ricotta, sprinkle of mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for the perfect comfort food night.
• Add a drizzle of good olive oil or a little balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container. Stores well for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth, as the noodles absorb liquid as they sit.
• Freezer: Freeze soup (without noodles for best texture) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then add freshly cooked noodles before serving.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

This is one of my favorite make-ahead slow cooker recipes! Here’s how to streamline it:

1. Prep a Day Ahead: Sauté and refrigerate the meat/onion mixture, chop any veggies, measure spices. Assemble in the morning—so easy!
2. To Freeze: Combine browned meat, sauce, tomatoes, seasonings in a gallon zip bag (skip broth and noodles). Freeze flat, then thaw overnight and dump everything in the slow cooker with broth. Add noodles just before serving.
3. Leftovers: If you plan to freeze cooked soup, do so before adding noodles—or expect softer texture. Add fresh-cooked noodles after reheating for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Absolutely! Use a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown meat, then add all ingredients except noodles and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in noodles and cook until tender (about 12 minutes). Serve with cheese as directed.

Will noodles get mushy if sitting in the soup?

Over time, yes. For best texture, add noodles just before eating, or keep them separate if planning for leftovers.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes! Penne, rotini, or broken spaghetti all work. The lasagna experience comes from both flavor and big noodle bites, but use whatever you like.

How can I thicken lasagna soup?

Let it sit with the lid off for a few minutes before serving, or stir in a bit of extra ricotta cheese.

What’s the best slow cooker size?

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, making enough soup for 6-8 hearty servings.

Craving classic lasagna flavor without the layers and fuss? This easy, cheesy slow cooker lasagna soup is the best answer for cozy weeknights, game days, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing, family favorite meal. What variation will you try first?