Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving all the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, you absolutely have to try this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup. It’s a delicious, hearty dish that captures perfectly the flavors of a classic lasagna in a soul-warming soup form. The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, savory ground meat, and Italian herbs into a bowl of pure bliss. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or entertaining friends, this soup feels like a big, loving hug in a bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each one brings its own splash of flavor, texture, or color, making the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup a vibrant and satisfying meal.

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional): Perfect for browning ground turkey if you choose a lighter option.
• 1 pound lean ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides savory richness; ground turkey works great for a leaner twist.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the base.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: For that unmistakable aromatic punch.
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The hearty liquid foundation for the soup.
• 2 cups marinara sauce: Brings the iconic tomato flavor that ties everything together.
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes: Adds texture and brightness to every spoonful.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Classic Italian herb enhancing the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a mild herbaceous background.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor without extra chopping.
• ½ teaspoon oregano: Earthy and slightly peppery, perfect in slow-simmered tomato dishes.
• ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary: Delivers a fragrant pine-like aroma to the soup.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat kick if you like it spicy.
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces: These transform the soup into a filling, noodle-studded delight.
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: A splash to balance the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For umami-rich depth stirred in at the end.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• 1 cup grated mozzarella: Added on top melted and gooey for that classic lasagna feel.
• ½ cup ricotta: Creamy, dolloped on top for richness and texture contrast.
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley: A fresh burst of color and mild flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step is key for creating a deep, savory flavor base for the soup. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy, then transfer the meat to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and all your dried herbs and spices straight into the slow cooker with the cooked meat. Give everything a good stir to make sure those flavors start mingling beautifully. This simple layering sets the stage for the magic that happens during cooking.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer lets the herbs and spices infuse deep into the broth. When it’s nearly done, the soup will be bursting with classic Italian flavors that remind you exactly why you love lasagna so much.

Step 4: Add the Lasagna Noodles

About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the broken lasagna noodles so they become perfectly tender by the time everything else finishes cooking. The noodles absorb all that savory, herby broth, giving you that authentic lasagna texture in soup form. If you’re cooking on high, 30 minutes is just right for al dente noodles that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Vinegar

Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the balsamic vinegar — it brightens the soup and rounds out the tomato’s acidity. Then add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra umami boost. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This final touch seals the deal on a rich, complex, and comforting Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated mozzarella and dollops of creamy ricotta cheese for that luscious, melty experience we all love from lasagna. A handful of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and color that makes every bite feel special.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty hearty all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or some crunchy garlic bread. Both complement the savory, cheesy soup and bring wonderful texture contrasts to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup straight from the slow cooker in a rustic pot for a cozy family-style dinner, or ladle it into individual bowls layered with cheese and a sprinkle of herbs for a beautiful presentation. For a fun twist, serve it with small lasagna roll-ups or cheese-stuffed breadsticks on the side to delight guests with extra Italian flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days, so you can easily enjoy its comforting flavors again without extra work.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. When frozen, it will keep well for up to three months. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal in a flash.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. Make sure it’s heated all the way through to 165°F for food safety. For best results, add fresh cheese toppings after reheating to keep that perfect gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option that works wonderfully in Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, giving you the same savory taste with less fat. Just remember to brown it with a little olive oil since it’s leaner and can stick to the pan.

Do I have to use broken lasagna noodles?

While broken lasagna noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the pasta doesn’t become mushy.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Stirring in chopped fresh spinach or finely diced zucchini right before adding the noodles is a fantastic way to sneak some extra veggies into your Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup without sacrificing flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot to speed up the cooking time. Just sauté the meat and aromatics using the sauté function, add all ingredients (except noodles), and cook under pressure for about 15 minutes. Then, add noodles and pressure cook for a few more minutes until tender.

How spicy is this soup?

The recipe calls for optional red pepper flakes, so you control the heat level. If you like a little warmth, add the flakes; if you prefer mild flavors, simply leave them out. It’s a versatile soup that caters to all taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Seriously, if you’ve never had Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup, you’re missing out on one of the most satisfying and convenient Italian-inspired meals ever. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort food and low-effort cooking that feels like a real treat every time. So grab your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with a soup that tastes just like your favorite lasagna—only easier and quicker!

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