Lasagna Soup Crockpot brings all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, comforting soup that cooks itself in the slow cooker. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender noodles, rich tomato broth, and plenty of melted cheese that makes every spoonful feel like a hug. Plus, there’s a nice mix of Italian herbs and spices that fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while it simmers gently away.
I love how easy this recipe is to set up in the morning, then come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal without having to do much. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner. Sometimes, I like to add a little extra garlic or a sprinkle of fresh basil on top just to give it a bit of a fresh kick before serving. It’s also great for leftovers because the flavors only get better the next day.
Serving this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad turns it into a full, satisfying meal perfect for any day that calls for comfort food. I find it’s a real crowd-pleaser and makes the whole family feel like dinner was made with love, even on the busiest days. It’s my go-to recipe when I want that classic lasagna taste without all the fuss of layers and baking.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds the rich, meaty flavor that’s essential for lasagna soup. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives.
Tomato products: Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste give the soup its deep, tangy tomato base. If fresh tomatoes are on hand, you can blend them and cook down. Canned versions keep it easy and consistent.
Mafaldine noodles: The wavy edges hold onto the sauce nicely. If you can’t find mafaldine, broken lasagna noodles, rotini, or even broken penne pasta are great substitutes.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan make the soup creamy and cheesy. For a dairy-free option, you could try plant-based ricotta and mozzarella, but the flavor will be milder.
How Do You Prevent Noodles from Getting Mushy in the Crockpot?
Adding noodles too early can make them soggy. Here’s how to keep them perfectly tender in your slow cooker:
- Add noodles only 20-30 minutes before serving, so they cook just enough in the warm soup.
- Stir them gently after adding to ensure they don’t clump together.
- If you expect leftovers, store noodles separately and add just before reheating to keep texture better.
These tips help you enjoy noodles with a nice bite without turning mushy after slow cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking all day while flavors blend beautifully.
- Large skillet – to brown the ground beef and cook onions before adding to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the soup gently, especially when adding noodles.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your spices and liquids balanced easily.
- Colander – helpful if you want to drain excess fat from the cooked beef.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful twist.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies and texture.
- Use fresh basil and oregano instead of dried for a brighter, fresher taste—add these near the end.
- Top with a spoonful of pesto or a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving for a nice flavor boost.
How to Make Lasagna Soup in a Crockpot
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz mafaldine noodles (or broken lasagna noodles)
For Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 6 to 7 hours to cook on low in the crockpot (or 3 to 4 hours on high). Add another 20 to 30 minutes at the end to cook the noodles. So set it in the morning and enjoy a delicious, warm meal by dinner time without much effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Cook Onions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup lighter.
2. Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked beef and onions to your crockpot. Add minced garlic, beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice), salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix everything together.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This gives all the flavors time to marry and develop a rich, delicious taste.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, pour the mafaldine noodles right into the crockpot. Stir them into the soup, cover again, and let them cook until tender—about 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Give the soup a good stir and ladle it into bowls. Top each bowl with a spoonful of creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and some fresh chopped parsley or basil for color and freshness.
6. Optional Sides:
This soup is perfect on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or a crisp green salad if you want something extra on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps the beef brown evenly and prevents uneven cooking.
Can I Substitute the Mafaldine Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find mafaldine, broken lasagna noodles, rotini, penne, or any short pasta work great. Just add them 20-30 minutes before serving to prevent mushiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the noodles will continue to soften, consider storing noodles separately and adding them when reheating for best texture.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and proceed as usual for a delicious vegetarian version.
