If you’ve ever thought, “Lasagna would be great as soup,” you’re in for a treat. Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is all the flavors you expect—rich tomato sauce, Italian spices, and melty cheese—turned into a warm, cozy bowl of soup.
The best part? The slow cooker handles most of the work. Toss the ingredients in, let it simmer, and soon your house will smell amazing. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect for cold days or when you’re feeding a group.
Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got something everyone will enjoy. Seconds are pretty much guaranteed.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This recipe delivers the comforting flavors of lasagna in an easy-to-make soup form. Here’s why it’s worth trying:
- Rich, Flavorful Broth – The combination of tomato sauce, broth, and Italian seasoning creates a savory, aromatic base that tastes just like lasagna without the hassle.
- Tender Noodles – The noodles soak up all the flavors while becoming soft and tender, just like the lasagna you love.
- Minimal Cleanup – The slow cooker does most of the work, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Comforting and Hearty – This soup is filling and satisfying, with ground beef, cheese, and noodles coming together for the ultimate comfort meal.
This dish provides all the flavors you love from traditional lasagna, in a cozy, warming soup form that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
You won’t need many ingredients to create this hearty soup, but the combination of ground beef, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning is key:
- Ground Beef – Adds a savory richness to the soup base, just like a classic lasagna.
- Tomato Sauce – Creates the perfect base for the soup, giving it that familiar tomato flavor.
- Crushed Tomatoes – These add depth and richness to the broth.
- Italian Seasoning – A mix of basil, oregano, and garlic powder creates that signature lasagna flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles – Break them up into bite-sized pieces for easy slurping in soup form.
- Ricotta Cheese – This adds creaminess and richness, just like the cheese layer in lasagna.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Melted cheese adds a gooey, comforting finish to the soup.
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes just like your favorite lasagna, but with a lot less work.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Making this lasagna soup couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps:
- Cook the Ground Beef – In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Sauce and Broth – Transfer the beef to the slow cooker and add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Prepare the Noodles – About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup and stir.
- Add the Cheese – In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese to the soup. Stir well to combine, letting the cheese melt into the soup.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
In just a few steps, you’ve got a meal that’s warm, comforting, and packed with all the delicious flavors of lasagna.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This soup is filling on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Here are some ideas:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the soup. |
| Simple Green Salad | A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness. |
| Crusty Bread | A hearty crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth. |
| Roasted Vegetables | Roasted broccoli or carrots add a healthy, colorful side. |
| Cheese Sticks | Serve with cheese sticks for an extra cheesy touch to your meal. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
This lasagna soup makes great leftovers and can be easily stored and reheated. Here’s how:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Follow these tips to make this lasagna soup even better:
- Use ground turkey for a leaner version of this soup, or stick with ground beef for a more traditional flavor.
- Adjust the noodles – If you prefer thicker soup, use less pasta. If you want a more noodle-heavy dish, add more.
- Make it extra cheesy by stirring in extra ricotta or Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
This recipe is specifically for ground beef or ground turkey. If you prefer chicken, you could substitute shredded chicken but make sure to cook it separately and add it at the end.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just add noodles after reheating.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a flavorful base.
4. How do I make the soup thicker?
If you want a thicker soup, add less broth or mash some of the vegetables and noodles in the soup for a creamier texture.
5. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use rotini, penne, or any other short pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed based on the type of pasta.
This slow cooker lasagna soup is everything you love about lasagna, but in a comforting soup form. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic lasagna with none of the fuss.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the soup
- Large Skillet For searing the chicken (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cups celery sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Stir well and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Add spinach or peas for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.
About The Author
