If you’re craving all the cozy, comforting goodness of lasagna but want something a bit quicker and easier to make, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, blending rich marinara, hearty ground beef, tender noodles, and luscious cheeses into one unforgettable meal. Perfect for busy days when you want dinner waiting for you, this soup delivers all those classic lasagna flavors with way less fuss and loads of comfort. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your go-to recipe for chilly evenings and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and key to nailing this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding the perfect texture, or bringing those vibrant colors that make the dish as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Choose 90/10 for great flavor without excess grease.
- 1 cup diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when browned with the beef.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall taste and balances the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild background peppery kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings wonderful aroma and savory notes.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand for that rich tomato base.
- 32 ounces beef broth: Builds the soup’s savory liquid foundation.
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of bright tomato flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup its signature Italian flair.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor and deepens the soup’s aroma.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat; feel free to adjust or omit depending on your spice preference.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Gives the soup a smooth, creamy finish without overpowering the tomato base.
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the flavors.
- Ricotta cheese for topping: Adds creamy, tangy richness that melts into the soup.
- Shredded mozzarella for topping: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer that brings the dish together beautifully.
- Chopped parsley for topping: Adds freshness and a pop of color to finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the ground beef and diced onions. Season with the salt and pepper, and cook while breaking up the meat until it’s no longer pink and the onions are soft and fragrant. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma. This step wakes up the flavors and gives the soup a hint of garlicky warmth.
Step 3: Transfer and Add Liquids
Drain any excess grease from the skillet if needed, then transfer the meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 6 hours. This slow simmering lets the flavors meld together perfectly, creating that warm, comforting depth you expect from a great lasagna soup.
Step 5: Add Cream and Pasta
When the cooking time is up, stir in the heavy cream for a creamy touch, then break the lasagna noodles over the slow cooker so they fall in evenly. Cover and cook for another 30 to 45 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy. This makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once your soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. These final toppings add richness, gooey cheese pull, and a nice fresh note to balance the hearty stew.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For the best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe experience, don’t skip the toppings. A dollop of ricotta mixed with mozzarella creates that classic lasagna feel, while fresh parsley or even a little basil adds brightness and color. If you love spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper can take it up a notch.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is full of hearty ingredients, it pairs beautifully with simple sides like crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up every last bit of that saucy goodness, while a salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or change up the usual, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or ramekins topped with melted mozzarella. You could also layer the toppings individually in small glasses for a deconstructed lasagna twist. Either way, presentation can make this cozy dish feel a little extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even better. Just make sure the pasta doesn’t get too soft if stored too long.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months frozen. Keep in mind that noodles may become a bit more tender after thawing, so slightly undercook the noodles when making it if you plan on freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of beef broth or water if it looks too thick. You can also microwave portions, just be sure to stir halfway through for even heating. Add fresh cheese toppings after warming for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and adds a lighter protein option, but you might want to add a touch more seasoning to keep the flavor robust.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?
No need to pre-cook the noodles since they soften perfectly in the slow cooker during the last 30-45 minutes. Breaking them into bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option. The soup will be less rich but still delicious and creamy.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños. Just go slow and taste to make sure the heat balances well with the tomato base.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The base soup is gluten-free, but the lasagna noodles contain gluten. Swap regular noodles for gluten-free pasta broken into pieces to keep the dish gluten-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is everything you want in a cozy, soul-satisfying meal without the fuss of making traditional lasagna. With layers of hearty flavors, creamy textures, and comforting warmth, it’s bound to become a fast family favorite. So grab your slow cooker, get those simple ingredients ready, and cozy up with a bowl of this incredible soup—it’s pure comfort in every spoonful!
PrintSlow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty and easy-to-make soup. Ground beef, marinara, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasonings slow-cook together to create a rich base, while broken lasagna noodles cook right in the pot. Finished with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family meal with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on HIGH or 6 hours on LOW
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH) or 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 32 ounces beef broth
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into approx. 1-2 inch pieces
Toppings
- Ricotta cheese for topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking the meat apart, until no longer pink and the onions are translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Drain excess grease if necessary, then pour the cooked meat and onion mixture into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours, until flavors meld and the soup is hot throughout.
- Add Cream and Noodles: Once the initial cooking time is finished, stir in the heavy cream and broken lasagna noodles, breaking them over the slow cooker so pieces drop into the soup evenly. Stir, cover again, and cook for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a scoop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) for less grease and great flavor; if using 80/20, drain excess fat.
- Recommended marinara brands are Rao’s or Trader Joe’s, but feel free to use your favorite.
- Plain petite diced tomatoes work best, but Italian seasoned or chunkier diced tomatoes can be used for texture preference.
- Skip red pepper flakes if you prefer a non-spicy soup.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Omit heavy cream if you would like a more broth-based, less creamy soup.
- Ricotta and mozzarella can be stirred into the soup or served as toppings; garnish allows personalization.
- Slow cooker times vary; use the times as a guide and adjust for your appliance.
