Crockpot Lasagna Soup is like having all the best parts of lasagna—cheesy, meaty, and tomato-y—in one warm, comforting bowl. Imagine tender noodles swimming in a rich tomato broth with ground beef, Italian seasonings, and lots of gooey cheese all cooked low and slow in your crockpot. It’s the perfect way to enjoy lasagna, especially when you want something easy to prepare but still full of flavor.
I love making this soup on busy days because you can just toss everything into the crockpot and let it cook while you go about your day. The smell that fills the house is amazing and makes everyone excited for dinner. One little tip I’ve learned is to add the noodles towards the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy, keeping just the right amount of bite and texture that makes this soup so satisfying.
We usually serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a side of crusty bread for dipping. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug, perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something cozy without the fuss of traditional lasagna. I always find that this recipe brings everyone to the table with smiles—comfort food at its best, made simple and delightful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds the classic meaty flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. Vegetarian? Try plant-based crumbles or lentils for protein.
Tomatoes (Crushed and Sauce): They form the rich base of the soup. Use canned diced tomatoes if crushed aren’t available, and tomato puree works in place of sauce.
Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles give a nice chewy texture like lasagna noodles. You can replace them with broken lasagna noodles, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess, and mozzarella gives that melty stretch. Cottage cheese works as a ricotta substitute, and cheddar or Monterey Jack can replace mozzarella.
How Do You Keep the Noodles from Getting Mushy in Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
The secret is to add the noodles near the end of cooking. Here’s how:
- Cook your soup base with meat, veggies, and broth for several hours without noodles.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the noodles to avoid overcooking.
- Cover and cook until the noodles are tender but still firm. Check texture to prevent mushiness.
This way, your noodles stay perfect and not gummy. Stir gently after adding cheese to melt it without breaking the noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot/Slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and letting flavors blend slowly all day.
- Large skillet – great for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions before adding to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring ingredients without scratching your pots.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of spices, broth, and tomato sauce.
- Colander – useful if you want to drain excess fat or rinse noodles before adding.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor that tastes like a classic meat sauce.
- Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies and boost nutrition.
- Use crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat.
- Mix fresh spinach or kale in at the end for a pop of color and extra vitamins.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish typically takes about 10-15 minutes to prep and brown the beef, then slow cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Adding noodles and cheese at the end takes another 30 minutes. So plan for around 7-8 hours total if cooking on low—mostly hands-off cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Vegetables:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic, stirring until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain off any extra fat so your soup isn’t greasy.
2. Combine Everything in the Crockpot:
Transfer your cooked beef mixture into the crockpot. Add the diced green bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors.
3. Slow Cook:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The soup will develop a rich, comforting flavor during this time.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you want to eat, stir in the egg noodles. Cover and cook until they’re tender but still a little firm—this usually takes around 25-30 minutes. This step helps keep the noodles from turning mushy.
5. Stir in the Cheeses:
Once the noodles are just right, stir in the ricotta cheese and half the shredded mozzarella. Let the cheeses melt into the hot soup, making it creamy and delicious.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley or basil. Serve it with some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side, if you’d like.
Enjoy your cozy, flavorful Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before browning. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for full vegetarian flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of broth to loosen the soup if it thickens.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can prep the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate it (without noodles). Add and cook the noodles fresh just before serving to keep their texture perfect.