Why Crockpot Lasagna Soup Is a Must-Try
Discover the warm, cheesy comfort of Crockpot Lasagna Soup—easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners. This hearty recipe combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a rich, comforting soup form that simmers slowly to develop deep, satisfying tastes. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or something to curl up with on a chilly evening, Crockpot Lasagna Soup delivers both simplicity and soul-warming goodness in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: Just toss all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work, freeing up your time without sacrificing flavor.
- Comfort food at its best: Every bite brings cozy, cheesy, and meaty lasagna flavors in a bowl, perfect for warming up any day.
- Family-friendly: It appeals to all ages and is great for picky eaters who love pasta and cheese but want something a bit different.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or personal preferences without losing the essence of the dish.
- Perfect for meal prep: It keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making lunches and dinners easy during busy weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is made using simple, staple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role—from the bold Italian sausage to the creamy cheeses, all blending for a tasty soup that looks as good as it tastes.
- Italian sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture essential to the soup’s meaty base.
- Diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and brightness that balance the richness of the cheese.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a vibrant, smooth foundation for the soup’s flavor profile.
- Beef broth: Enhances the depth and warmth of the soup while keeping it soupy and hearty.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces to offer classic pasta texture without waiting to bake a whole lasagna.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness and silky mouthfeel that mirrors traditional lasagna layers.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bring that stretchy, gooey lasagna experience in every spoonful.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty notes to finish the soup with depth and a lovely cheesy aroma.
- Onion and garlic: Builds a flavorful base with aromatic warmth and balanced spice.
- Italian seasoning and fresh basil: Infuses the soup with classic Italian herb flavors to make every bite comforting and familiar.
Variations for Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Feel free to put your own spin on Crockpot Lasagna Soup. This flexible recipe adapts easily to different tastes and dietary requirements, so it’s a great canvas for creativity in the kitchen.
- Vegetarian version: Swap sausage for mushrooms or lentils to keep the hearty texture while making it meat-free.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring heat and excitement to each spoonful.
- Low-carb option: Replace lasagna noodles with zucchini ribbons or thinly sliced eggplant for a lighter twist.
- Dairy-free twist: Use vegan cheese alternatives and omit ricotta to make it dairy-free without losing flavor.
- Slow cooker to Instant Pot: Pressurize it quickly in an Instant Pot if you’re short on time but craving that slow-cooked taste.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Prepare the base
Begin by browning the Italian sausage with chopped onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. This step builds the rich meaty base and allows the aromatics to soften and release their flavors before moving to the crockpot.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in the crockpot
Transfer the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic to the crockpot. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles. Stir everything well to combine all the flavors.
Step 3: Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow simmer allows the noodles to soften and the flavors to meld, resulting in a rich, thick soup reminiscent of classic lasagna.
Step 4: Add the cheeses
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in dollops of ricotta cheese followed by shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir gently and cover again to let the cheeses melt perfectly into the soup.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor, then scoop into bowls and enjoy the comforting lasagna soup experience.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Use quality sausage: The flavor depends heavily on the sausage, so choose a good Italian sausage for the best result.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Break them into pieces and add early, but monitor timing to avoid mushy pasta.
- Layer your cheeses: Adding ricotta last prevents it from dissolving completely, keeping creamy texture.
- Fresh herbs matter: Adding fresh basil right before serving brightens the dish and balances the richness.
- Adjust thickness: If the soup is too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, let it cook uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Top your Crockpot Lasagna Soup with freshly chopped basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good olive oil to boost aroma and presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve it alongside crusty garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables to complete a full, satisfying meal that’s as balanced as it is flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve the soup in individual mini crockpots or mason jars for a fun, rustic vibe. You can also ladle it over a toasted baguette slice to mimic lasagna’s layers in a new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store Crockpot Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent choice for meals during the week.
Freezing
Freeze leftover soup in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to three months; just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the soup heats evenly and the cheeses stay creamy without separating.
FAQs
Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup without meat?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils to make a delicious vegetarian version.
What type of noodles work best?
Traditional dry lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces work best, but feel free to experiment with gluten-free or whole wheat options.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded cheese is convenient and works well, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
How spicy is Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
The base recipe is mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage to suit your heat preference.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Crockpot Lasagna Soup freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about Crockpot Lasagna Soup that combines comfort, ease, and flavor in one pot. Whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite cozy meal!
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Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm, cheesy, and hearty comfort food that combines all the classic flavors of lasagna into a delicious, slow-cooked soup. This easy-to-make recipe features Italian sausage, multiple cheeses, broken lasagna noodles, and rich tomato and beef broth base, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy
Ingredients
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Tomato Base
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
Pasta
- 6 dry lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (about 1/4 cup chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Brown the Italian sausage with chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the sausage is cooked through and the aromatics are softened and fragrant. This helps build a rich, flavorful meaty base.
- Combine ingredients in the crockpot: Transfer the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic mixture to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This allows the noodles to soften and the flavors to meld into a thick, hearty soup reminiscent of traditional lasagna.
- Add the cheeses: About 30 minutes before serving, add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese followed by shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir gently and cover again so the cheeses melt smoothly into the soup.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a fresh flavor and appealing color. Serve hot in bowls and enjoy the comfort of lasagna in soup form.
Notes
- Use quality Italian sausage for the best rich flavor.
- Break lasagna noodles into pieces and add early, but monitor cooking time to avoid over-soft pasta.
- Layer cheeses by adding ricotta last to maintain its creamy texture.
- Adding fresh basil just before serving brightens and balances the soup.
- If soup is too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot, lasagna soup, slow cooker soup, Italian soup, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy soup, hearty soup