Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you love the flavors of classic lasagna but want something easier to prepare, this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup recipe is the perfect solution. Combining the hearty ingredients of lasagna with the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup delivers all the comforting, rich flavors of traditional lasagna without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a game-changer for anyone who loves comfort food but doesn’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s a one-pot meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. Plus, with its cheesy topping and rich broth, this soup is both satisfying and indulgent—perfect for those cold winter nights.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

To make this flavorful Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 lb ground beef (453 grams)
• 4 cups beef broth (946 ml)
• 12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (340 grams)
• ½ onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (794 grams)
• 1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes (411 grams)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (15 ml)
• 1 tsp minced garlic (5 ml)

For the Cheese Topping:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese (120 grams)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (100 grams)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (113 grams)

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat.

2. Transfer to Slow Cooker:
After draining the fat, transfer the cooked ground beef to your slow cooker. This step lays the foundation for the rich and hearty base of the soup.

3. Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
Next, add the diced onion, bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir. This mixture will slowly cook, allowing all the flavors to blend harmoniously.

4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to develop fully, making the soup rich and savory.

5. Add the Lasagna Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the broken lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to ensure the noodles are evenly distributed. If the slow cooker was set to low, turn it to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

6. Prepare the Cheese Topping:
While the noodles cook, prepare the cheese topping. In small bowls, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. This cheesy mixture will melt beautifully into the hot soup, adding a creamy texture and rich flavor.

7. Serve the Soup:
Once the noodles are tender, it’s time to serve the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. The heat from the soup will slightly melt the cheese, creating a delightful, gooey topping.

8. Garnish and Enjoy:
For an extra touch of freshness, garnish each bowl with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• Timing the Noodles: To avoid mushy noodles, make sure to add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll cook perfectly without becoming too soft.
• Balance the Flavors: If the soup tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the flavors.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best results, use high-quality ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. The freshness and quality of the cheese will make a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding Noodles Too Early: One common mistake is adding the lasagna noodles too early. This can result in overcooked, mushy noodles. To prevent this, add them only in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Not Draining the Ground Beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the ground beef can make the soup greasy. Always drain the fat after browning the beef.
• Overcooking the Soup: While slow cookers are designed for long cooking times, be mindful of the noodles and the overall texture of the soup. Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables and noodles.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup even more inviting, consider these serving and presentation tips:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds color and a burst of freshness to each bowl.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Pair the soup with a side of warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Use Deep Bowls: Serve the soup in deep bowls to showcase the layers of noodles, beef, and cheese, making each serving look as hearty and comforting as it tastes.

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your soup:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Possible Variations on Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

There are several ways to customize this soup to suit your taste preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQ About Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just wait to add the noodles until you’re ready to reheat and serve.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely. However, the noodles may soften after freezing and reheating. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them when you reheat the soup.

How can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can make this soup dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives or omitting the cheese topping altogether. The soup will still be flavorful and delicious!

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the best parts of lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes like this one.

Print