If you crave all the rich, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but don't want the hassle, you're going to love this Crockpot Lasagna Soup! It's everything you adore about the Italian favorite-savory tomato broth, tender noodles, creamy cheese, and hearty ground beef-transformed into a soul-warming, weeknight-friendly soup.

This dish is absolutely irresistible: deeply flavorful, delightfully hearty, and practically effortless. Just toss in the ingredients, let your Crockpot work its magic, and get ready for a bowl of pure comfort.

Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or casual gatherings with friends, it's a major crowd-pleaser that's simple enough for even busy weeknights. This recipe was inspired by my family's love for lasagna and my passion for slow-cooker shortcuts-trust me, you'll want to come back for seconds!

Rich and savory Crockpot Lasagna Soup in a bowl, topped with creamy ricotta and fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No layering or fuss-just cozy, lasagna flavor without the work
Hands-off: your Crockpot does all the heavy lifting
Big, bold Italian flavors in every spoonful
Kid-friendly and perfect for meal prep or leftovers

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Italian Sausage or Ground Beef

This forms the hearty, flavor-packed base of your soup, mimicking the classic meaty layers of lasagna. You can choose Italian sausage for extra spice, or lean ground beef for a lighter option. Whichever you use, be sure to brown it first for richer depth. Prefer a lighter soup? Substitute with ground turkey or chicken-just note that the flavor will be slightly milder.

Crushed Tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes are the backbone of the broth, providing that signature tangy, savory tomato flavor found in every good lasagna. Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best taste. You could also use a combination of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce if that's what you have on hand.

Lasagna Noodles

Broken lasagna noodles give this soup its signature texture and heartiness. Break the noodles into 1 to 2 inch pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. You can substitute with any hearty, short pasta-like mafalda, rotini, or even fusilli-if you prefer.

Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese

Adding a scoop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella on top transforms each bowl into an ooey-gooey, creamy lasagna experience. If you like, swap in cottage cheese, or use part-skim cheeses for a lower-fat meal.

Italian Seasoning

A blend of dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) enhances the soup and brings out those classic Italian notes. You can make your own blend, or use what's ready in your pantry. For a little extra freshness, add chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Instructions for Crockpot Lasagna Soup

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by heating a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, then add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Load Up the Crockpot

Transfer the browned meat, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix so the flavors start to meld.

Slow Cook the Soup

Set your Crockpot to LOW and cook for 5 hours, or on HIGH for about 3 hours. The flavors will deepen as it simmers, filling your kitchen with a cozy, savory aroma.

Add Noodles

About 30 minutes before you're ready to serve, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Make sure they're submerged so they cook evenly. Continue cooking on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are tender but not mushy.

Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a dusting of Parmesan. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a bright, Italian finish.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegetarian

Swap out the beef or sausage for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and you'll still get all that traditional lasagna comfort.

Lighten It Up

Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner soup, and use part-skim cheeses. You can also add extra diced veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrition and flavor.

Gluten-Free Option

Replace the lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna pasta or any gluten-free short pasta. Just be sure to check cooking times, as gluten-free noodles can cook faster and may become overly soft if left too long.

Boost the Veg

Toss in a few handfuls of baby spinach, chopped kale, or shredded carrots during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra color, nutrients, and a slight earthy flavor.

Spicy Kick

If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes along with the seasonings, or use spicy Italian sausage to turn up the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup piping hot with a side of warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping-it's perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. Add a crisp side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to keep things fresh. For extra flair, top each bowl with fresh basil leaves and a little extra grated Parmesan.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles may continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore the soup's texture. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. The soup also freezes well for up to 2 months-just freeze before adding the cheese toppings, and stir in fresh ricotta and mozzarella after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Lasagna Soup (FAQ)

Q: Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can cook the base soup ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer. Add noodles and cheese when reheating for the best texture.

Q: What type of pasta should I use if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

A: Any sturdy, short pasta like mafalda, fusilli, or rotini works well. Adjust cooking time as needed based on pasta shape.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Absolutely! Omit the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives for a creamy finish.

Whether you're craving a weeknight comfort meal or need something the whole family will gobble up, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a guaranteed hit. If you give it a try, be sure to leave a comment and rating-I love hearing how it turns out for you!