Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Picture this: it’s a chilly autumn evening, the leaves are turning golden, and the aroma of savory lasagna fills your kitchen. But instead of layering noodles and baking for hours, you’re ladling up a warm, comforting bowl of crockpot lasagna soup. Yes, you heard that right! This incredibly easy recipe captures all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, family-friendly soup that practically cooks itself. As the weather turns cooler, easy slow cooker recipes like this one become essential. My family craves lasagna, but sometimes I need something I can set and forget. This soup delivers big flavors with minimal effort, and that’s why it’s a weeknight winner in my house!

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving the taste of lasagna without all the fuss. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic! This simple yet satisfying dish will become a new family favorite, I guarantee it.

Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup

This recipe is designed for flexibility! Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste. The key is to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh herbs, flavorful sausage, and a good quality broth can make all the difference.

• Ground Italian Sausage: 1 pound (sweet, mild, or hot – your choice!). Italian sausage is crucial for the authentic lasagna flavor. It adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with ground beef alone. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can use leaner sausage.
• Ground Beef: 1/2 pound (optional, can substitute with more sausage). Adding ground beef stretches the recipe and adds another layer of meaty goodness. I usually go with 80/20 ground beef for optimal flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped. Onion forms the base of the flavor profile. Yellow or white onions work perfectly.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is a must! It adds that characteristic lasagna aroma and flavor.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces. Crushed tomatoes provide the base of the soup. Look for good-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: 15 ounces. Tomato sauce adds richness and depth to the soup.
• Tomato Paste: 6 ounces. Tomato paste is concentrated tomato flavor. It thickens the soup and adds a robust tomato taste.
• Chicken Broth: 6 cups. Chicken broth provides the liquid base for the soup. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Look for low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
• Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons. Oregano is a classic Italian herb. It adds warmth and earthiness to the soup.
• Dried Basil: 2 teaspoons. Basil is another essential Italian herb. It adds a sweet and slightly peppery flavor to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon. Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs that complements the other flavors in the soup.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is key! Start with a little salt and pepper and adjust to your liking.
• Lasagna Noodles: 8 ounces, broken into small pieces. Breaking the lasagna noodles adds that classic lasagna texture to the soup. I find that no-boil noodles break down too much in the slow cooker, so stick with regular lasagna noodles.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces. Ricotta cheese adds creamy richness to the soup. Use whole milk ricotta for the best flavor and texture.
• Egg: 1 large. The egg helps bind the ricotta cheese together.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. Parmesan cheese adds salty, savory flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For topping. Shredded mozzarella cheese is the perfect finishing touch. It melts beautifully and adds a cheesy, gooey goodness.

Ingredient Science Note: The acidity of the tomatoes helps to break down the sausage and beef, tenderizing them even further during the slow cooking process. The herbs release their essential oils over time, infusing the entire soup with flavor. The combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and egg creates a delightful creamy element that mimics the filling in traditional lasagna.

Substitution Tips:

• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and beef. Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the ricotta cheese with a dairy-free ricotta alternative or a cashew cream. Use dairy-free mozzarella for topping.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and tomato products.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup

After testing this recipe multiple times, I’ve discovered a few key tricks to ensure it turns out perfectly every time. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and create a truly exceptional crockpot lasagna soup.

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Add the lasagna noodles in the last hour of cooking time. Overcooking them will result in mushy noodles.
• Brown the meat first: Browning the sausage and beef before adding them to the crockpot adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust the broth to your liking: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more broth.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Don’t add the cheese until serving: Adding the ricotta and mozzarella cheese to the crockpot will result in a clumpy mess. Stir in the ricotta mixture right before serving and top with mozzarella cheese.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the soup. Use good-quality sausage, tomatoes, and broth.
• Let it simmer: Simmering the soup on low heat for an extended period allows the flavors to meld together.

My Personal Testing Notes: I’ve found that using a combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor. I also like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! Provolone or fontina would also be delicious in this soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Leftover crockpot lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more over time, making it even more delicious the next day!

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.

Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Brown the meat using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients (except the noodles, ricotta, and mozzarella). Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Stir in the noodles and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Finally, stir in the ricotta mixture and top with mozzarella cheese before serving.

Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

I don’t recommend using no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe. They tend to break down too much in the slow cooker and can make the soup too thick.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to this soup. Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and carrots all work well.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even more over time, making it even more delicious the next day. Simply prepare the soup as directed and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

How can I make this soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water) to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. You can also use less broth or mash some of the cooked noodles to thicken the soup naturally.

What toppings go well with this soup?

In addition to mozzarella cheese, you can top this soup with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! This recipe is a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables. The familiar flavors of lasagna are a big hit with kids. You can adjust the amount of spice to suit your children’s tastes.

Your New Favorite Comfort Food

So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and comforting crockpot lasagna soup recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This soup is guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. This is a guaranteed family favorite, and perfect for those chilly evenings. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a taste of lasagna heaven!

Print