Introduction

Craving the flavors of lasagna but short on time? This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the answer! All the deliciousness of classic lasagna, simplified into a comforting and easy-to-make soup. Imagine sinking your spoon into a bowl filled with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and creamy ricotta cheese – all the iconic layers of lasagna, but in a spoonable, slurpable form. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Let’s be honest, making a traditional lasagna can be a labor of love, involving multiple steps like browning meat, boiling noodles, layering ingredients, and baking. While the end result is undeniably delicious, it’s not always practical for a quick weeknight dinner. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup offers several amazing benefits:

Ease of Preparation: The beauty of a crockpot recipe is its simplicity. You simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it! No need to babysit the stove or oven. This hands-off approach frees you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax while your dinner cooks itself.
Unbelievable Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a rich and complex taste that rivals even the most carefully layered lasagna. The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the meat and infuses every ingredient with the savory tomato-based broth.
Convenience: This recipe is incredibly convenient for busy individuals and families. You can prepare the soup in the morning before heading to work and come home to a warm and comforting meal ready to be served. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as the soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a one-pot meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash. Simply load everything into your slow cooker, and you’re good to go.
Customizable: This recipe is highly adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. You can easily swap out ingredients, add extra vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to create a soup that perfectly suits your taste.

Featured Recipe

Cozy Crockpot Lasagna Soup: An Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

Craving the flavors of lasagna but short on time? This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is the answer! All the deliciousness of classic lasagna, simplified into a comforting and easy-to-make soup.

15mPrep Time

6h 30mCook Time

6 servingsServings

450 caloriesCalories

Ingredients

1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or a combination of both

1 pound of rigatoni pasta or other large tube-shaped pasta, such as penne or ziti

28 ounces of crushed tomatoes

15 ounces of tomato sauce

4 cups of beef broth or chicken broth

15 ounces of ricotta cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers (optional)

Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw meat directly to the crockpot.
2
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup. Again, if time is a constraint, skip it.
3
Transfer the browned meat (and sautéed aromatics, if using) to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth (or chicken broth), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
5
During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, add the rigatoni pasta (or other tube-shaped pasta) to the crockpot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
6
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh basil leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.

In short, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup delivers all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss. It’s a convenient, flavorful, and customizable meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup:

Ground Meat: 1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage (sweet or hot), or a combination of both. Browning the meat before adding it to the crockpot is recommended for enhanced flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
Pasta: 1 pound of rigatoni pasta or other large tube-shaped pasta, such as penne or ziti. These shapes hold the sauce well and mimic the layers of lasagna. It’s important to add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Canned Tomatoes: 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes and 15 ounces of tomato sauce. These form the base of the soup and provide a rich tomato flavor. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes for added texture.
Broth: 4 cups of beef broth or chicken broth. The broth adds moisture and depth of flavor to the soup. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces of ricotta cheese. This is the creamy topping that mimics the ricotta layer in traditional lasagna. Use whole milk ricotta for the best flavor and texture. You can also use part-skim ricotta if you prefer.
Basil: Fresh basil leaves for garnish. Basil adds a touch of freshness and aroma to the soup. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
Onion and Garlic: 1 medium onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. These aromatics add depth of flavor to the soup.
Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning. This blend of herbs adds a classic Italian flavor to the soup.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season the soup to your liking.
Optional Add-ins: Diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to the soup for extra nutrients and flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Substitution Suggestions:

Meat: For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add more vegetables or use plant-based crumbles.
Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the soup.
Cheese: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese as a substitute.
Broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef or chicken broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to make this comforting Crockpot Lasagna Soup? Follow these easy step-by-step instructions:

Brown the Meat (Optional): In a large skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. This step is optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw meat directly to the crockpot.
Sauté Aromatics (Optional): In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 5 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup. Again, if time is a constraint, skip it.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned meat (and sautéed aromatics, if using) to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth (or chicken broth), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
Add Pasta: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, add the rigatoni pasta (or other tube-shaped pasta) to the crockpot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy. The cooking time will vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh basil leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Best Results:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy. Check the pasta for doneness after about 20 minutes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Use High-Quality Canned Tomatoes: The quality of the canned tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the soup. Use high-quality crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce for the best taste.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Season the soup to your liking with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Brown the Meat for Enhanced Flavor: Browning the ground meat before adding it to the crockpot adds a depth of flavor to the soup. This step is optional but highly recommended.

Tips and Variations

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your liking. Here are some helpful tips and variations:

Add Vegetables: Add diced vegetables such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. These vegetables will add extra nutrients and flavor to the soup.
Use Different Types of Meat: Experiment with different types of meat, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage. You can also use a combination of meats for a more complex flavor.
Adjust the Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or onion powder for a more intense flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the meat and add more vegetables or use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version of the soup.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the soup. Make sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end of the cooking time for a creamier soup.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the crockpot for a spicier soup.
Add Spinach or Kale: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking time for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serving Suggestions:

Toppings: Top the soup with extra ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Sides: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
Salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage:

Leftovers: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The pasta may become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Data Table

Here’s an estimated nutritional information table for a serving of Crockpot Lasagna Soup (values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	450
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	12g	60%
Cholesterol	80mg	27%
Sodium	800mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	35g	12%
Dietary Fiber	5g	20%
Sugars	10g
Protein	20g	40%
Vitamin A	1500 IU	30%
Vitamin C	15mg	25%
Calcium	200mg	20%
Iron	3mg	17%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Key Benefits

Saves time and effort in the kitchen: The slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to focus on other things.
Provides a warm and comforting meal: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little pick-me-up.
Offers a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna: You can control the ingredients and portion sizes to make it a healthier option.

For more amazing recipes, be sure to check out our other sections to explore a variety of ideas that will enrich your cooking experience. Each section offers its own unique flavors to ensure a delightful culinary journey:

Easy and Quick Recipes: A collection of dishes that guarantee delicious meals with minimal effort and time.
Healthy Recipes: Discover healthy and delicious options that fit your lifestyle.
Desserts: A diverse selection of sweets that will add a special touch of sweetness to your table.
Lunch Recipes: Tasty lunch ideas that you can easily prepare to delight your family.
Dinner Recipes: Delicious and easy-to-make recipes that will make your dinner a memorable occasion.

Professional Tips

Brown the ground meat before adding it to the crockpot for enhanced flavor. This step adds a depth of flavor that you won’t get if you add the raw meat directly to the slow cooker.
Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste. The quality of the canned tomatoes will greatly impact the flavor of the soup. Choose a brand that you trust and that uses high-quality ingredients.
Don’t overcook the pasta; add it towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy. Overcooked pasta can ruin the texture of the soup. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking time and check it frequently to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a cozy, comforting, and incredibly easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. This recipe brings all the delicious flavors of lasagna to your table without all the fuss. It’s a one-pot wonder that saves you time and effort while delivering a hearty and satisfying meal. Why not give it a try tonight? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. Your family will thank you for it! What are you waiting for? Go make some soup!