Do Share Recipe

Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe | Cheesy, Hearty & Comforting

I have to admit, the first time I made crockpot lasagna soup recipe, I was blown away by how simple it was to capture all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and sauce. The aroma of simmering beef, garlic, and herbs filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.

Every spoonful felt like a warm hug, with cheesy, savory goodness in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave comfort food. After making it several times, I can honestly say it’s become a staple in my recipe rotation. You can also enjoy Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe for a sweet treat alongside this hearty soup.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty, flavorful soup. I’ve included some tips from my own experience to make it turn out perfectly every time.

1 pound 90% lean ground beef – I find this lean ratio gives rich flavor without too much grease.
1 yellow onion, diced – Adds a subtle sweetness; sautéing first brings out its flavor.
1 green bell pepper, diced – For a slight crunch and fresh taste.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic flavor is key; adjust to your taste.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – Gives the soup that classic lasagna flavor.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – Optional, for a little heat.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors.
28 ounces marinara sauce – Choose a high-quality brand; it’s the base of your soup.
4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth – Keeps the soup rich but not overly salty.
1 Parmesan rind – Adds deep, savory notes; don’t skip if you have it.
8 ounces broken lasagna noodles – Any noodle works, but traditional wavy lasagna pieces are perfect.
2 cups fresh baby spinach – Adds color and nutrients; I never use frozen here.
1 cup ricotta cheese – For creamy topping; full-fat works best.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Freshly shredded melts better.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – For extra flavor.
Fresh basil, chopped – A bright, fresh finish.

Note: Serves 6–8 generously.

Variations

Making this soup your own is easy. Here are some ways I like to switch it up:

Dairy-free: Use plant-based ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives.
Gluten-free: Swap lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta.
Extra veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for more texture.
Spicier version: Increase crushed red pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.
Protein swap: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef. You might also enjoy a Baked Caprese Chicken Recipe for a lighter dinner option.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of how long this recipe takes:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes

Equipment You Need

These are the tools I use to make this recipe effortless:

Crockpot/Slow Cooker – For hands-off cooking and slow flavor development.
Skillet – To brown the meat and sauté vegetables before adding to the crockpot.
Knife & Cutting Board – For chopping vegetables and garlic.
Wooden Spoon – For stirring ingredients without scratching cookware.
Ladle – Perfect for serving soup into bowls.

How to Make a Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Meat

I start by browning the ground beef in a skillet, adding diced onion and green bell pepper. Once the beef is no longer pink and the veggies are soft, I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute. This step builds a deep, savory base for the soup.

Step 2: Combine in the Crockpot

Next, I transfer the beef and veggies to the slow cooker. I add marinara sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and the Parmesan rind. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while simmering gently.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

I break the lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving. This prevents the pasta from overcooking and ensures a perfect texture.

Step 4: Add Spinach

Just before serving, I mix in fresh baby spinach. It wilts quickly and adds a lovely green color along with nutrients, without overpowering the soup.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Topping

While the soup finishes, I mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan together in a small bowl. When serving, I scoop a generous dollop on top of each bowl of soup, creating that classic lasagna experience in every bite.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what I’ve learned after making this soup several times:

I always save Parmesan rinds for soup – it adds incredible depth.
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and gives more cheese pull.
Sautéing the vegetables and meat first adds more flavor than dumping everything raw.
Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces keeps them from clumping.
I add spinach last to keep it vibrant and tender, not overcooked.

How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Serving this soup can be just as fun as making it. I ladle it into deep bowls and top each with a cheesy ricotta blend. Garnishing with chopped fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan adds color and flavor. For extra indulgence, I serve it with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to soak up the rich broth.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate per serving to keep things balanced:

Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this crockpot lasagna soup has won me over:

Comfort food made easy – All the flavor of lasagna without the fuss.
Versatile – Swap ingredients to suit your diet or preferences.
Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves a cheesy, hearty soup.
Hands-off cooking – The crockpot does most of the work.
Flavor-packed – Rich tomato, savory meat, and melty cheese in every bite.

This crockpot lasagna soup has truly become a go-to for me, combining ease, flavor, and comfort in one bowl. It’s an ideal recipe for busy nights, family dinners, or any time you crave cozy, cheesy goodness.

Ben Carraoli