It was one of those chilly evenings when the thought of a hearty, comforting meal filled the house before I even stepped into the kitchen. I had a few minutes to prep, and the Crockpot beckoned with the promise of something simple yet satisfying. I glanced at the pantry, spotted a box of lasagna noodles, and a spark of inspiration hit me: why not combine the cozy flavors of lasagna into a warm, easy-to-make soup?
As I browned the ground beef, the familiar aroma instantly brought back memories of family dinners around the table, laughter blending with the clatter of plates. There was a quiet satisfaction in stirring the ingredients together, knowing that hours later the soup would be rich, flavorful, and effortless.
When the broth, tomatoes, and spices joined the pot, the kitchen transformed. The scent of garlic and Italian seasoning filled the air, hinting at the creamy, cheesy goodness to come. By the time the noodles softened and the cheeses melted, it felt like a hug in a bowl, warm, comforting, and entirely satisfying for everyone waiting at the table.
Short Description
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal with ground beef, lasagna noodles, and a creamy blend of cheeses. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.
Key Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 onion, diced
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4 cups beef broth
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1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
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1 cup ricotta cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil for garnish
Tools Needed
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Crockpot or slow cooker
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Skillet
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Wooden spoon
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Cutting board and knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Ladle
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the Crockpot.
Step 2: Add Base Ingredients
Add diced onion, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the Crockpot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 3: Cook in Crockpot
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. This allows the flavors to develop fully and creates a rich, comforting base.
Step 4: Add Noodles
Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook for another 20–30 minutes until noodles are tender. Check occasionally to ensure noodles do not overcook or stick together.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Serve the soup topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil for garnish. The cheeses create a creamy, indulgent finish to each bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cozy, comforting flavors reminiscent of classic lasagna
Minimal hands-on cooking thanks to the Crockpot
One-pot meal with easy cleanup
Can be prepped ahead for busy weeknights
Flexible ingredients—add vegetables or extra spices to taste
Family-friendly and appealing to both kids and adults
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the noodles
Lasagna noodles can become mushy if cooked too long.
Solution: Add broken noodles toward the end of cooking and check frequently.
Not draining beef properly
Excess fat can make the soup greasy.
Solution: Drain the beef after browning before adding to the Crockpot.
Under-seasoning the broth
Soup may taste bland without proper seasoning.
Solution: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Adding cheese too early
Cheese can separate or become stringy.
Solution: Add ricotta and mozzarella just before serving for a creamy texture.
Skipping the simmer time
Flavors may not fully develop.
Solution: Allow the soup to cook the recommended 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve hot with garlic bread or crusty rolls
Top with extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
Ideal for family-style meals or casual dinner gatherings
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally
Add a splash of broth if soup thickens during storage
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey works well and makes the soup lighter.
2. Can I make this on high in the Crockpot?
Yes, cook 3–4 hours on high, checking noodles toward the end.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added during the cooking stage.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, combine all ingredients (except noodles and cheese) and refrigerate overnight; cook the next day.
5. Can this be made in an Instant Pot?
Yes, use the sauté function to brown beef, then pressure cook for 15 minutes and add noodles at the end.
Tips & Tricks
Break noodles into small pieces for easier eating
Toast garlic powder lightly in the Crockpot before adding liquid for a deeper flavor
Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking
Adjust Italian seasoning to suit your taste
Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for brightness
Recipe Variations
Vegetable Lasagna Soup: Add 1 cup diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach during cooking.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: Include ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Cheesy Deluxe: Mix in ½ cup Parmesan cheese with ricotta for extra richness.
Slow Cooker Freezer Meal: Combine beef, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings in a freezer bag. Freeze and thaw before cooking, then add noodles and cheese at the end.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Lasagna Soup captures the familiar flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare. The slow-cooked broth melds perfectly with tender noodles and creamy cheeses, creating a rich and flavorful experience that the whole family can enjoy.
The kitchen fills with inviting aromas as it simmers, making it a meal that draws everyone to the table. This soup works beautifully on a chilly evening or for a relaxed weekend dinner, offering flexibility in ingredients and toppings. It’s a dish that brings people together, adds warmth to any gathering, and can easily become a favorite for years to come.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet; drain fat and transfer to Crockpot.
- Add onion, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir to combine.
- Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours.
- Stir in broken lasagna noodles; cook 20–30 mins until tender.
- Serve topped with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil.
