Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional lasagna that transforms all the layers of cheesy, meaty goodness into a warm, flavorful soup. By using a slow cooker, this recipe develops rich, deep flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy meals when you crave classic Italian comfort food. This soup features a perfect combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, aromatic seasonings, marinara sauce, and tender broken lasagna noodles, all cooked together to create a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish. Topped with ricotta, mozzarella, and a hint of heavy cream, it captures the essence of lasagna in every spoonful without the fuss of layering or baking.
🧂 Ingredients
1 pound ground beef – provides hearty, savory flavor.
1 pound Italian sausage – adds richness and classic Italian seasoning.
24 ounces marinara sauce – forms the flavorful tomato base.
2 cups chicken broth – adds depth and allows the soup to develop.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – for aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – essential for savory depth.
Salt and black pepper to taste – balances flavors.
½ yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and texture.
½ cup heavy whipping cream – enriches and smooths the soup.
10 lasagna sheets, broken into pieces – gives the soup substance and pasta texture.
½ cup ricotta cheese – creamy, slightly tangy topping.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully into the soup for cheesiness.
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish.
🍳 Method
Step 1: Brown the Meats
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary and transfer the cooked meat to the crockpot.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
Add diced yellow onion, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine with the meats.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Marinara
Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add Pasta
About 30 minutes before serving, add broken lasagna sheets to the crockpot. Stir gently to ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook until noodles are tender, usually 25–30 minutes depending on thickness.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in heavy cream and half of the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese and the remaining mozzarella. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal. Each spoonful delivers the classic flavors of lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-eat format.
🌿 Expert Tips for Success
Use quality Italian sausage for authentic flavor. Break lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Stir gently after adding cream to avoid separation. Do not overcook pasta, as it will become mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for best results.
🥄 Variations
Vegetable Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to increase nutrition.
Spicy Version: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Cheese Lovers: Top with additional Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or omit pasta.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook base in crockpot, store, and add pasta and cheese when reheating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread, fresh basil, or a simple green salad. Drizzle with extra olive oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for added flavor. A glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this Italian-inspired soup.
🧊 Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup is too thick.
🧮 Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 450 | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 28 g | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Fiber: 3 g | Sodium: 900 mg
This soup is protein-packed, creamy, and satisfying, providing all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking pasta — will make it mushy; add towards the end of cooking. Adding cream too early — may curdle; stir in at the end. Not draining excess fat — can make soup greasy; drain if necessary. Skipping seasoning — always taste and adjust before serving. Using thin marinara — opt for thick, quality sauce for best flavor.
💭 Conclusion
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a comforting, creamy, and hearty meal that delivers the classic flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering or baking. With savory meats, tender noodles, aromatic seasonings, and cheesy goodness, this soup is a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Quick to prepare yet rich in flavor, it brings the joy of Italian cuisine to your table in a convenient, warming bowl.
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Crockpot Lasagna Soup: All the Flavor of Lasagna in a Bowl
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting soup that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy bowl. With ground beef, Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, creamy cheese, and marinara sauce, it’s perfect for slow-cooked weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 10 lasagna sheets, broken
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until onion softens.
- Transfer meat mixture to a crockpot. Add marinara sauce and chicken broth, stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in broken lasagna sheets and heavy cream. Cover and cook until noodles are tender.
- Stir in ricotta cheese and top with shredded mozzarella before serving. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Optional: top with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use only ground beef or sausage? Yes, either works, but using both adds depth of flavor.
2. Can I make it spicy? Yes, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
3. Can I prepare this ahead? Yes, store base without pasta and cheese; add them when reheating.
4. Can I use gluten-free pasta? Yes, substitute gluten-free lasagna sheets.
5. How long does it last in the fridge? Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
6. Can I freeze this soup? Yes, without pasta, for up to 2 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
7. Can I add vegetables? Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work beautifully.
8. What cheese works best? Ricotta and mozzarella are classic, but Parmesan adds extra flavor.
9. Can I make it lower fat? Use part-skim mozzarella, turkey sausage, or less cream.
10. What can I serve it with? Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or crusty rolls pair perfectly.
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy, cheesy, and hearty dish that captures the flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple, slow-cooked, and comforting bowl.