This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings all the cheesy goodness of lasagna into a warm, hearty soup! It’s packed with noodles, marinara sauce, and lots of melty cheese.
Making this is a breeze—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping. So simple and cozy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Both options add depth of flavor to the soup. For a lighter choice, ground turkey or chicken can be used. If you’re vegetarian, you can omit it entirely or use lentils or a plant-based sausage.
Broth: Beef broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is a great substitute for a lighter flavor or if you want to keep it vegetarian. Homemade broth is always nice if you have it on hand!
Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred marinara for convenience! If you’re making your own, a simple tomato sauce with garlic and Italian herbs works well. For a spicier kick, you could use arrabbiata sauce.
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds a fantastic texture. If you’re dairy-free, try using tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice for a similar consistency.
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles are common here, but you could swap them for gluten-free noodles or even use a different pasta shape like rotini or penne, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Get the Noodles Just Right in This Soup?
Adding the right pasta at the right time is key. Here’s how to do it:
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, break the uncooked lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces.
- Stir them into the simmering soup. This allows them to cook without getting mushy.
- Cover the crockpot and let them cook for about 30 minutes. Check for tenderness before serving.
This way, your noodles will be perfectly al dente and not overcooked!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep, with a cooking time of 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it! You’ll have a warm, hearty meal waiting for you by dinnertime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat. This step gives your soup a rich flavor base!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the meat mixture to your crockpot. Add in the broth, marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together!
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, break the uncooked lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and gently stir them into the crockpot. Cover again and let the noodles cook until tender.
6. Serve with Cheese:
Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for that classic lasagna flavor!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like, then serve your warm, cheesy Crockpot Lasagna Soup with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy this comforting meal with family and friends!
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative. Just remember to adjust the seasoning slightly since turkey is milder in flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients. Just toss them in with the broth and sauce at the beginning of cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you prefer to skip ricotta, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture, or blend tofu with a splash of lemon juice for a dairy-free alternative!
