Lasagna is a classic Italian dish loved by many, but sometimes, making it the traditional way can feel like a chore.
That’s where this slow cooker lasagna soup recipe comes in. It’s a simpler, more convenient way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of lasagna without the need for layering or baking.
This hearty and flavorful soup has everything you love about lasagna – savory meat sauce, tender pasta, and gooey cheese – all simmered together in a rich broth.
This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully while you go about your day.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this lasagna soup is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy Preparation: Unlike traditional lasagna, there’s no need for careful layering. Just throw everything into the slow cooker, and you’re done!
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of beef, tomato sauce, and cheese creates a soup that tastes just like lasagna.
Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding extra veggies or swapping the type of cheese.
Ingredients
Cooking spray: To prevent the lasagna from sticking to the slow cooker.
1 lb extra-lean ground beef: Provides a hearty base while keeping the soup lower in fat.
1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a bit of sweetness to balance the tomato sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and enhances the flavor of the dish.
1/2 tsp each salt & pepper: Seasoning to taste.
2 (650mL) jars of tomato sauce (Classico’s sweet basil marinara sauce): This makes up the flavorful, saucy base of the soup.
1 lb lasagna noodles, uncooked (oven-ready or regular): No need to pre-cook them – they’ll soften perfectly in the slow cooker.
1 (475g) tub of ricotta cheese: For creamy richness that makes this dish taste like classic lasagna.
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully into the soup for that signature gooey texture.
1/2 cup water: To help cook the noodles and thin the sauce slightly.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herby touch when serving.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (6-quart): A standard-size slow cooker is perfect for this recipe.
- Large frying pan: For browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the Beef
Start by spraying a large frying pan with cooking spray. Over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s almost cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. This step adds flavor to the meat and ensures that the soup isn’t greasy.
Add the Aromatics
When the beef is nearly cooked, stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are softened and fragrant. Then, pour in one jar of tomato sauce and stir to combine. This mixture will be your meat sauce.
Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Start by adding a bit of the meat sauce to the bottom. Next, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (they don’t need to be uniform) and add a layer over the meat sauce. Then, spread on some ricotta cheese and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers until the slow cooker is full, usually about three layers total.
Finish with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the second jar of tomato sauce over the top layer of lasagna. Then, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Pour 1/2 cup of water down the sides of the slow cooker to help cook the noodles evenly.
Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours. The noodles will absorb the sauce, becoming tender while all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve and Garnish
Once the cooking time is up, give the soup a gentle stir and ladle it into bowls. Garnish each serving with a bit of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Tips for Success
Avoid Over-Stirring: Gently stir the soup after it’s finished cooking. Too much stirring can cause the noodles to break apart.
Use Extra Sauce for a Thinner Consistency: If you prefer a soupier texture, add an additional cup of broth or tomato sauce during cooking.
Choose the Right Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work well, but if you use oven-ready noodles, they may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness at the 2.5-hour mark if cooking on high.
Don’t Skip the Browning Step: This adds depth to the meat and prevents excess grease in the soup.
Customizations and Variations
Add More Vegetables: Include veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients. Simply layer them in along with the meat and noodles.
Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
Cheese Lovers’ Twist: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheese for an even cheesier experience.
Swap the Meat: Try ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes until warmed through.
Freeze: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in individual portions for easy reheating. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty slice of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this lasagna soup.
Side Salad: A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens can lighten up the meal.
Extra Cheese: Sprinkle more grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top for extra gooeyness.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Traditional lasagna can be time-consuming with all the layering and baking, but this slow cooker lasagna soup streamlines the process while keeping all the flavors intact.
The slow cooking time allows the noodles to absorb the sauce and the cheeses to melt into the dish, resulting in a rich and comforting meal that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.
This soup brings all the warmth and satisfaction of lasagna in a fuss-free way, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy the classic dish with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker lasagna soup is a comforting twist on a beloved classic that brings all the flavors of a traditional lasagna into a bowl of hearty soup.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes for an easy, satisfying meal.
With layers of cheesy goodness and a rich tomato sauce, every spoonful will have you coming back for more.