If you’re craving something cozy, hearty, and packed with all the flavors of classic lasagna but without the fuss, Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is about to become your new favorite recipe. Imagine all those rich, cheesy, tomatoey layers transformed into a soul-warming soup that’s as easy to make as it is fun to eat. This dish takes the best parts of lasagna — the savory meat, zesty sauce, melty cheese, and satisfying noodles — and brings them together in the comfort of your slow cooker, perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends when you still want a meal that wows.

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is thoughtfully chosen to boost flavor, texture, or color. While the lineup is simple, each item plays a starring role in turning a handful of pantry staples into pure Italian comfort in a bowl.

Ground Italian sausage or ground beef: Adds depth and robust savory flavor — choose your favorite for a classic or milder profile.
Onion (chopped): Builds aromatic sweetness and a flavorful base for the soup.
Garlic (minced): Infuses every spoonful with that unmistakable Italian flair.
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Delivers that rich, velvety tomato flavor essential to lasagna.
Tomato sauce (15 oz): Adds extra body and silkiness to the broth.
Chicken or beef broth: Provides a savory, savory foundation for the soup; chicken is lighter, beef is heartier.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that takes the dish straight to Nonna’s kitchen.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Lends a gentle kick, but use as much (or little) as you like.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and heighten all the flavors.
Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): The classic noodle, reimagined for soup — breaking them up makes the perfect bite!
Ricotta cheese: For unmistakable lasagna creaminess when swirled on top.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings glorious melty, stringy goodness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and that salty, nutty finish.
Fresh basil or parsley (chopped): Brightens up the soup with color and a fresh herbal punch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

Start by grabbing a skillet and setting it over medium heat. Crumble in the sausage or ground beef, then toss in your chopped onion. Let everything sizzle away, breaking up the meat and cooking until it’s no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute or two — this quick step boosts flavor and makes your kitchen smell incredible. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease before moving on!

Step 2: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Scoop the browned meat mixture right into your slow cooker. Now it’s time for the tomato trifecta: pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add the broth of your choice. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, plus salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir, then pop on the lid.

Step 3: Set and Forget

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-7 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours if you’re feeling impatient). This long, gentle simmer coaxes out richness from every ingredient, letting the flavors meld together into something undeniably comforting. You’ll have a bubbling pot of goodness just waiting for its noodle moment!

Step 4: Add the Noodles

About 30 minutes before dinner time, break up the lasagna noodles into rough pieces and stir them right into the soup. The noodles will soak up the savory broth and cook to tender perfection, transforming the soup into something truly reminiscent of a classic lasagna, but with delicious, slurpable broth.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

While the noodles finish cooking, grab a small bowl and combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This blend is your cheesy topping, ready to be dolloped onto every serving. Once the noodles are beautifully tender, ladle the hot soup into bowls and crown each one with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately for maximum gooey delight.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

A sprinkle of vibrant fresh basil or parsley takes this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup from weeknight dinner to something special. For a real pizzeria vibe, dust on some extra Parmesan or even a shake of crushed red pepper for those who like it spicy. The gooey cheese dollop is non-negotiable for that authentic lasagna experience — it melts blissfully into every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with a thick slice of garlic bread or a warm baguette to make the most of that delicious broth — perfect for dipping! A simple side salad with crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy Italian dressing will balance the richness and round out your meal in true trattoria style.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup in deep mugs at a casual gathering, topped with mini mozzarella balls like edible party confetti. You can also offer a “cheese bar” at the table, letting everyone customize their bowl with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, or even a swirl of pesto for something totally unique.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days — just keep the cheese topping separate so you can scoop it fresh for each bowl. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more irresistible.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup freezes well, but for the best texture, freeze without the noodles, as they can get mushy upon reheating. Simply let the soup cool, portion into zip-top freezer bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve and add them during reheating for that just-made feel.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, use short bursts and stir frequently. Either way, always add the cheese topping after reheating for ultimate creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the meat for plant-based crumbles or sautéed diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef. You’ll still get rich, hearty flavors with all the pleasure of the classic.

What type Main Course

While traditional lasagna noodles give that iconic texture, any wide, sturdy pasta works well — try broken-up mafaldine, pappardelle, or even rotini for a similar experience and a fun twist.

Is it okay to cook the noodles separately?

Yes! Cooking noodles separately prevents them from absorbing too much broth, which is especially handy if you expect leftovers. Just stir the cooked noodles into individual bowls before topping with cheese.

Can I make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup in advance?

Definitely! Prepare the soup base (without noodles or cheese) a day ahead and store in the fridge. Add the noodles just before reheating and serving, so the soup stays fresh and the noodles don’t become mushy.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese mixture creamy?

Make the cheese topping just before serving and add it to hot soup bowls right away. The heat from the soup will gently melt the cheeses for a luscious, creamy finish. Don’t mix it into the whole pot unless you want a creamier, unified texture throughout.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup will win your heart with its soul-soothing comfort and unbeatable ease. If you’re ready for a weeknight dinner that’s just as festive as it is filling, grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try — your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but without all the hassle. Loaded with Italian sausage, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, and three types of cheese, this hearty soup is the perfect easy meal for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
1 small onion (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
4 cups chicken or beef broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage or beef with the chopped onion until no longer pink. Add the garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes, then drain any excess grease.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Continue cooking until the noodles are tender.
Prepare Cheese Topping: Just before serving, stir together ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a small bowl.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.