This Crock Pot Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, spoonable bowl! With rich tomato broth, tender pasta, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, it’s like a hug in a bowl. I love making this on chilly evenings when I want something hearty but effortless—the slow cooker does all the work! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic, cooking for 1 more minute.
- Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef or chicken broth, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and cook on high until the noodles are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to create a cheesy topping.
- Serve the soup hot in bowls, topping each with a dollop of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high), plus 30 minutes for noodles
- Total Time: 6.5-8.5 hours
- Servings: 6-8
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna soup with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the rich broth. Pair it with a simple Caesar salad for a complete meal. For extra indulgence, offer additional shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan at the table. This soup is perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cheese topping separate to maintain texture.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth if the soup thickens.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without the cheese topping) in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Cook fresh noodles when serving, as they may soften when frozen.