If you’re looking for a cozy meal, this slow cooker lasagna soup is just the ticket. It combines all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna but without all the fuss of layering. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!
This slow cooker lasagna soup solves busy schedule chaos by saving time, reducing kitchen mess, and providing hearty, simple meals with easy leftovers.
Cooking can be a challenge sometimes, especially when you’re trying to come up with something my whole family can enjoy. I’ve found that this soup solves the problem of messy lasagna prep while also making sure it’s friendly for my family’s dietary needs.
This recipe works great for busy weeknights. You only need about 10 minutes of prep, and then just let your slow cooker do the work for six hours. The slow cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a savory, hearty soup that’s comforting and filling.
If you’re in the mood for a little baking, this recipe pairs wonderfully with my Greek Chicken Pie, perfect for rounding out a meal.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comforting Texture : This soup is a cozy bowl of goodness that offers the heartiness of lasagna without the fuss of layers. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
- Savory Flavor : The combination of rich marinara, savory herbs, and gooey cheese gives you all that classic lasagna flavor in a bowl. It’s comforting and satisfying, especially for those who love Italian food.
- Convenient Cooking : Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. You can set it and forget it, making meal prep super easy for busy days.
- Easy Storage : Leftovers store well in the fridge, so you can enjoy a comforting bowl of this lasagna soup for days. It’s perfect for a quick reheat during the week.
Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker version of lasagna served as a soup.
Ingredients
- 21/2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (can use ground turkey)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 11/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 11/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/21/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/21/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/41/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/41/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 11/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- 1/2 cup ricotta
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown & Drain Meat: Start by cooking your ground meat until it is browned, giving off a savory aroma. Make sure to drain any excess grease; otherwise, it might make your lasagna soup greasy and unappealing.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Next, toss in the cooked meat along with all the other ingredients. Stir gently until everything is well mixed.
- Set Your Slow Cooker: Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for about six hours. If you cook it too long, the noodles could get mushy.
- Stir & Add Cheese: Once the cooking time is up, give your soup a good stir and sprinkle in some cheese for that hearty finish. The cheese will melt right in, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve Warm & Enjoy: Dish it up while it is warm and sprinkle more cheese or herbs on top if desired. If it thickens too much after sitting, add a splash of broth to loosen it up!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days.
- Expert Tips: Cook the ground meat fully and drain grease before adding it to the slow cooker for best flavor. If using ground turkey, ensure it is cooked through and fat is drained well. To avoid mushy noodles, consider adding them closer to the end of the cooking time. If the soup becomes too thick after refrigeration, stir in extra broth while reheating to reach desired consistency. Increase seasoning or add freshly grated cheese if the soup’s flavor is too bland. Drizzle balsamic vinegar into the soup just before serving for a flavorful finish.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary, until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for dipping. Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs. Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Recipe Variations: Use spinach or zucchini for extra veggies. Opt for gluten-free noodles if desired. Try adding beans for additional protein and fiber.
- Ingredient Notes: Use a good quality broth for a richer flavor. Fresh garlic enhances the soup’s aroma and taste. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat or use ground turkey. If you need a substitute for ricotta, cottage cheese works in a pinch. You can replace marinara sauce with your favorite variety of pasta sauce. If you do not have dried herbs, you can substitute with Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 424
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1405mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
Ingredient Notes
- Olive oil: A splash of this brings a bit of richness to the meat. If you prefer, you can skip it altogether or use another oil.
- Lean ground beef or Italian sausage: This adds that meaty goodness to the soup. Ground turkey works too if you want a lighter option!
- Yellow onion: Chopped onion gives a nice base flavor to the soup. Go for a fresh one, don’t even think about using dried here!
- Garlic: Seriously, can’t beat fresh garlic’s aroma and taste in this dish. Mince it yourself for the best punch!
- Chicken or vegetable broth: This is the liquid gold bringing everything together. Use a good quality broth for a richer flavor.
- Marinara sauce: It’s the heart of the soup! Grab your favorite brand, or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Diced tomatoes: These add a nice texture and a burst of tomato flavor. Canned ones are a great shortcut, just go for low-sodium if you can.
- Dried basil: A pinch of this gives an authentic Italian vibe. If you’ve got fresh on hand, go for that instead, it’s so much more fragrant!
- Dried parsley: This adds a subtle flavor boost. If you don’t have any, you could use fresh, but adjust the amount down.
- Onion powder: This adds depth without the crunch of fresh onions. If you’re out, you could simply amp up the garlic.
- Oregano: This classic herb complements the other flavors so well! You can swap it for Italian seasoning if that’s what you’ve got.
- Dried rosemary: Just a touch of this adds a cozy, fragrant note. If you don’t have dried, fresh works too, though you’d want to use a bit more.
- Red pepper flakes: These add a nice kick, but feel free to leave them out or adjust to your spice level!
- Lasagna noodles: Break these into pieces to mimic classic lasagna in soup form. You can swap with any pasta you love, like penne or shells.
- Balsamic vinegar: This adds a tangy finish that brightens the whole soup. If you’re out, a splash of red wine vinegar can do the trick!
- Freshly grated parmesan: This gives a lovely creamy texture and richness. You can use pre-grated, just make sure it’s a good quality.
- Grated mozzarella: This is the melty goodness you’re going for! Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt.
- Ricotta: This adds creaminess, creating a luscious layer of texture. If you need a substitute, cottage cheese works alright in a pinch.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle on top for garnish really freshens things up. If you’re out, basil could be a nice alternative!
Recipe Tips
- If the noodles are becoming too soft, consider cutting the cooking time or adding them in the last hour of cooking for better texture.
- When you find the soup too thick after cooling, simply stir in extra broth while reheating to reach your preferred consistency.
- If the lasagna soup tastes a bit bland, try upping the seasoning or adding a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese to boost the flavors.
- For an extra flavor kick, consider drizzling balsamic vinegar into the soup just before serving, giving it a lovely finish.
- If using ground turkey and want extra moistness, ensure it’s cooked through and the fat is drained well before it goes into the pot.
Serving Suggestions
Pair slow cooker lasagna soup with crusty bread for dipping. A simple salad adds a fresh element to the meal.
This soup can also serve as a base for various dishes, such as stuffed bell peppers or baked pasta. Top with extra cheese and fresh herbs to enhance presentation.
Add a dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an appealing finish. Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish before serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use ground turkey instead of lean ground beef or Italian sausage for a lighter option.
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning for an extra boost of flavor.
- Either add in 1 cup of fresh spinach or 1 small zucchini, diced, for extra veggies.
- If you want to make a larger batch, use 2 pounds of ground beef and double the broth to 8 cups.
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How to Store?
To keep your slow cooker lasagna soup fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Consume within this timeframe for safety.
Freezing: Portion soup into freezer bags, remove excess air, and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Gently warm soup on the stove or in a microwave. Add broth if needed to improve consistency. Serve warm.
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If you enjoyed this slow cooker lasagna soup or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
