This Easy Crock Pot Lasagna Soup is everything you love about lasagna but in a comforting, hearty soup form! With layers of cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness, it’s perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Number of Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups broken lasagna noodles or any pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened. Drain excess fat.
- Combine in crock pot: Add the cooked meat mixture to the crock pot. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, water, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Cook the soup: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Add the pasta: About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles or pasta. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender.
- Prepare the cheesy topping: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Serve the soup: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a dollop of the cheesy mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Use quality tomatoes: Choose a good brand of crushed tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Add it towards the end to keep it from getting mushy.
- Customize the protein: Swap beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for dietary preferences.
Variations
- Vegetarian version: Use vegetable broth and skip the meat. Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a hearty alternative.
- Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier soup.
- Creamy lasagna soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese before serving.
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
Pair this Crock Pot Lasagna Soup with:
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping.
- A fresh green salad with Italian dressing.
- Steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
FAQs About Crock Pot Lasagna Soup
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes! Any pasta shape works well, but broken lasagna noodles add an authentic touch.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Absolutely. Freeze the soup without the pasta. When reheating, cook and add fresh pasta.
- How do I make this dairy-free?
- Skip the cheese topping and replace it with a dollop of dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream.
- Can I make it gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is labeled gluten-free.