Lasagna Soup Crockpot is like all the best parts of classic lasagna, but turned into a cozy, warm bowl of soup that’s super easy to make. You get that rich tomato flavor, cheesy goodness, tender noodles, and a bit of sausage or beef for that extra savory kick. It’s comfort food in a mug, perfect for busy days when you still want something homemade and delicious.
I love making this soup in the crockpot because it lets all the flavors blend together slowly, which makes it taste even better. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when I want dinner ready without standing over the stove. I usually throw in some fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan right before serving, which takes it from good to really special.
This lasagna soup is great for sharing with family or friends, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Sometimes I serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the yummy broth, and it never fails to warm everyone up. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m giving everyone a big, comforting hug through food.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef or Italian sausage: These give the soup its meaty, rich flavor. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
Rotini pasta: I like using rotini because its twists hold the sauce nicely. You can swap in broken lasagna noodles or any short pasta you have, like penne or rigatoni.
Ricotta and cheeses: Ricotta adds creaminess and a true lasagna feel. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or cream cheese can work. Mozzarella and Parmesan bring that melty, cheesy topping we love.
Marinara sauce & tomatoes: Using a good quality jarred marinara speeds up the process. If you want to go fresh, diced fresh tomatoes or homemade sauce work great too.
How Can I Prevent Pasta from Getting Mushy in the Crockpot?
The pasta can get too soft if added too early in slow cooking. To avoid mushy noodles:
- Add dry pasta only about 30 minutes before the soup is done.
- Cook on high heat after adding pasta to speed up the cooking time.
- Keep the lid slightly tilted if your crockpot runs hot, which helps avoid overcooking.
- If you don’t like leftovers with soggy pasta, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it when serving.
Adding pasta last keeps it tender with a nice bite, balancing perfectly with the rich meat sauce and creamy cheeses.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – makes cooking hands-off and lets flavors blend perfectly over time.
- Large skillet – for browning the meat and sautéing onions before adding to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the meat and scraping browned bits.
- Measuring cups and spoons – handy to measure broth, spices, and sauces accurately.
- Ladle – perfect for serving the soup neatly into bowls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or turkey for a different meat flavor or a lighter option.
- Add chopped spinach or kale near the end for extra color and nutrition.
- Try fresh basil or oregano instead of dried Italian seasoning for a brighter, fresher herb taste.
- Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or smoked paprika for a little heat and smoky depth.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or broken lasagna noodles)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, plus 3 to 8 hours cooking time in the crockpot depending on your heat setting. Add about 30 minutes more for cooking the pasta in the crockpot. So plan for roughly 4 to 9 hours total, mostly unattended time while the flavors meld deliciously.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook it with the chopped onion until the meat is brown and the onion is soft. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Drain any extra fat to keep things light.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your crockpot. Add the beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking time lets all the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.
4. Add the Pasta:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the pasta straight into the crockpot. Stir to mix it in well. Cover and cook on high until the pasta is tender, usually about 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give the soup a taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Scoop the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Optional Side:
Try serving your lasagna soup with some warm garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side for a full and satisfying meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Meat in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps it cook evenly and safely in the crockpot.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cooked meat mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding to the crockpot. The soup itself keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Note that pasta may absorb some liquid and thicken the soup; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Yes! Rotini works great because it holds sauce well, but you can use broken lasagna noodles, penne, or any short pasta. Just add it at the end and cook until tender to avoid mushy pasta.
