Crockpot Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Easy & Comforting Family Dinner
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is an ingenious twist on a beloved classic, delivering all the rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, comforting bowl. Forget the tedious layering and long baking times; this slow cooker recipe brings that nostalgic taste to your table with minimal effort. It’s destined to become your new family favorite, offering warmth and satisfaction on even the busiest weeknights.
From Classic Lasagna to Slow Cooker Soup Sensation
For many, myself included, lasagna holds a special place as the ultimate comfort food. While a perfectly executed Shepherd’s pie certainly gives it a run for its money, the layered pasta, rich sauce, and melty cheese of lasagna are hard to beat. I’ve shared numerous lasagna recipes over the years, but transforming it into a soup might just be my most beloved adaptation yet. And the fact that it can all be done in a crockpot? That’s an immediate win in my book.
The beauty of this Crockpot Lasagna Soup lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it develops with minimal hands-on time. There’s a bit of initial chopping and sautéing, but once those first steps are complete and everything is loaded into the slow cooker, the hard work is essentially over. The slow cooking process allows the broth to become incredibly rich and flavorful, the meat and vegetables to tenderize beautifully, and the lasagna pasta pieces cook directly in the pot, absorbing all those delicious juices.
The result is an effortlessly easy dinner that feels incredibly gourmet and comforting, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a satisfying meal without a fuss. For those truly rushed moments, you can even boil the lasagna noodles separately and add them to the soup at the very end. Either way, you’re guaranteed a delicious and hearty meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Crockpot Lasagna Soup
This recipe isn’t just about ease; it’s about delivering maximum flavor and comfort with minimum fuss. Here’s why this slow cooker lasagna soup deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Once the initial sautéing is done, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Simply set it and forget it, returning to a house filled with an irresistible aroma.
- Rich, Deep Flavors: The low and slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a robust, savory broth that’s truly exceptional.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It embodies everything you love about lasagna – the rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and tender pasta – all infused with melty cheese in a warm, soul-satisfying bowl.
- Family-Friendly: This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will devour this hearty dish, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences. Swap meats, add more veggies, or adjust the spice level.
- Less Cleanup: No multiple baking dishes or boiling pots. Most of the cooking happens in one pot, simplifying post-dinner cleanup.
Essential Ingredients for a Legendary Soup
Crafting the perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup starts with high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible depth of flavor that makes this dish so satisfying. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful notes and swaps:
| Ingredient | Notes & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Italian Sausage | We recommend a pound of ground Italian sausage for robust flavor. You can choose mild or hot, depending on your spice preference. For a leaner option or different taste, feel free to swap with lean ground beef or ground turkey. Ensure it’s browned thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to develop rich umami. |
| Marinara Sauce | A good quality marinara sauce is essential. I highly recommend Rao’s for its exceptional flavor and balanced acidity, but any jarred sauce that you love and trust will work wonderfully. This forms the flavorful base of our soup. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | One (14-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes adds body and a sweet, concentrated tomato flavor. If you prefer a chunkier soup with more texture, you can easily swap the crushed tomatoes for diced tomatoes. |
| Chicken Broth | For the best results, use a high-quality low-sodium chicken broth. Swanson is a personal favorite of mine for its consistent flavor. Using low-sodium allows you to control the seasoning precisely. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option. |
| Lasagna Noodles | The star pasta! Breaking traditional lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces creates that classic lasagna feel within the soup. For an alternative, or if you prefer a different pasta shape, rotini or even mafalda pasta (with its wavy edges) work beautifully and add visual interest. |
| Cheese Mixture | This creamy topping is non-negotiable! Mascarpone cheese provides an unparalleled richness and silky texture, but ricotta cheese is an excellent and more traditional alternative. Don’t forget the essential duo: shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect cheesy pull and savory depth. |
| Aromatics & Seasonings | Onion, carrots, garlic, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and a bay leaf are crucial for building layers of authentic Italian flavor. Don’t skimp on these! Salt and pepper to taste are also vital for balancing the dish. |
| Heavy Cream & Balsamic Vinegar (Optional) | A splash of heavy cream stirred in at the end adds a touch of luxurious richness. A dash of balsamic vinegar can brighten the flavors and add a subtle acidity, cutting through the richness beautifully. |
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Making this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to achieve gourmet results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable meal:
- Prepare Your Aromatics and Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and carrots, seasoning them with half a teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant. Push these tender vegetables to the sides of the pan.
- Brown the Italian Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the center of the skillet. Sear it for about 1 minute on each side to develop a nice crust, then crumble and cook thoroughly until it is deeply browned. Browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables before slow cooking is crucial for building foundational flavors.
- Infuse with Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste with the browned sausage and softened vegetables. Cook, stirring constantly, for just 1 minute. This step helps to toast the tomato paste, deepening its flavor, and allows the garlic to become aromatic without burning.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the entire contents of your skillet – the browned sausage, sautéed onions, carrots, garlic, and tomato paste – into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Combine Liquid Ingredients and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and low-sodium chicken broth. Add the granulated sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, dried parsley, and the bay leaf. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to combine, ensuring everything is well mixed.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 5 hours. The longer cooking time on low generally results in a richer, more developed flavor.
- Add the Lasagna Pasta: Approximately 30 to 40 minutes before you plan to serve, break the lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces and add them directly into the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cover again and cook on HIGH for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. If the soup appears too thick at this stage, you can add a little extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Finishing Touches and Seasoning Adjustment: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. If desired, stir in the heavy cream for an extra layer of richness and creaminess. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. For a bright, acidic lift that cuts through the richness, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Prepare the Cheesy Topping: In a small separate bowl, combine the mascarpone (or ricotta) cheese, shredded mozzarella, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot, fragrant lasagna soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a generous scoop of the creamy cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil for an aromatic garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations for Every Palate
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is wonderfully versatile. While the slow cooker method is fantastic for busy days, you can absolutely enjoy this deliciousness even quicker:
- Stovetop Version: Yes, you can! If you’re short on time, I have a fantastic stovetop version of lasagna soup that delivers speed without compromising on flavor.
- White Chicken Lasagna Soup: For a creamy, comforting alternative, be sure to check out this delightful White Chicken Lasagna Soup. It offers a different flavor profile with chicken, white sauce, and savory seasonings.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Easily omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, consider adding canned lentils or white beans.
- Spicier Kick: If you love heat, use hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or even a dash of hot sauce when serving.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While lasagna noodles are classic, feel free to experiment with other sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Making a big batch of this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a smart move for meal prep, but a few tricks will ensure it stays delicious:
- Fridge: The pasta in soup tends to soak up a lot of liquid and can become bloated or mushy over time. To avoid this, use a wire skimmer or slotted spoon to gently remove the pasta from the broth before storing. Store the soup (broth only) and the pasta in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, combine and add fresh pasta if desired, or combine the stored pasta with warmed broth.
- Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! Freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove. Cook fresh pasta separately right before serving and add it to the warm soup. This ensures the pasta retains its ideal texture.
- Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat. If it has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to achieve your preferred consistency. Add the pasta back in to warm through just before serving.
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Print Recipe
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crave-worthy and cozy, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup has layers of flavor, pasta, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s a dinner everyone will love!
Video Overview
Equipment
- 6-quart Crock-Pot
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 cup finely diced carrots
- 1 pound (16-ounces) ground Italian sausage mild or spicy (up to you!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (Rao’s recommended)
- 1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 lasagna sheets broken into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional, for richness
- Splash balsamic vinegar optional, if you’d like some acidity
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese or ricotta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese see note below
- Fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over high heat, add olive oil. Add the onions and carrots, season with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt & pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes, until beginning to soften. Push the veggies to the edges of the pan, add the sausage to the center, and sear for 1 minute on each side. Crumble and cook until deeply browned. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Transfer everything to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, sugar, basil, oregano, parsley, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for 3–5 hours.
- About 30–40 minutes before serving, break lasagna into bite-size pieces and add them to the crockpot. Stir, cover, and cook on HIGH for 25–35 minutes, or until tender. Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the heavy cream, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar if you’d like a little acidity.
- In a small bowl, stir together mascarpone (or ricotta), mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top each with a big scoop of the cheese mixture and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Note 1: For the best texture and flavor, I recommend grating a block of Parmesan with a microplane right before adding it. This makes a huge difference!
Storage: As mentioned in the main section, to prevent the pasta from becoming too soft or mushy, use a wire skimmer to strain the pasta out of the broth before storing the soup. Store the soup and pasta separately.
Nutrition
Calories: 612 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 30 g |
Protein: 20 g |
Fat: 44 g |
Saturated Fat: 20 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g |
Trans Fat: 0.06 g |
Cholesterol: 113 mg |
Sodium: 1106 mg |
Potassium: 729 mg |
Fiber: 3 g |
Sugar: 9 g |
Vitamin A: 3031 IU |
Vitamin C: 10 mg |
Calcium: 255 mg |
Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
What to Serve with Your Lasagna Soup
This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a few complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments for your Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- Warm, Crusty Bread: A must-have for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth! Serve with a crusty French bread or soft, pillowy breadsticks.
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Bread: Take the Italian theme further with slices of garlic bread or gooey cheesy bread, perfect for dipping.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich soup. A simple garden salad with a vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad would be ideal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add more nutrients and flavor with a side of roasted vegetables like tender broccoli, zucchini, or savory green beans.
- Light Fruit Salad: For a refreshing and sweet finish, a vibrant fresh fruit salad can be a delightful palate cleanser.
Time-Saving “Lazy Crockpot Lasagna Soup” Shortcuts
This soup is already designed for convenience, but for those days when you’re truly short on time, here are a few extra shortcuts to make it even easier:
- Pre-Chopped Vegetables: Save valuable prep time by using pre-made mirepoix (a mix of diced onions, carrots, and celery) available in the produce or frozen section of most grocery stores. Alternatively, a food processor can quickly chop your fresh onions and carrots in seconds.
- Pre-Minced Garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic from a jar, or use a garlic press to quickly prepare fresh cloves.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: For a super quick and easy vegetarian version, simply omit the Italian sausage. You might want to scale back the chicken broth slightly or add a can of drained cannellini beans for extra body and protein.
- No-Boil Noodles: Some brands of lasagna noodles are designed to be “no-boil.” While we break them into pieces, using no-boil noodles can sometimes offer a slightly faster or more consistent cook in the crockpot, though standard noodles work perfectly fine.
Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or new to the world of crockpot meals, this Lasagna Soup is a must-try. It combines the comforting flavors of a classic dish with modern convenience, making it the ideal choice for any home cook looking for a delicious, hearty, and easy dinner. Enjoy the rich aromas filling your kitchen and the satisfied smiles around your table!