Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup – Full Recipe Guide
If you love traditional lasagna but don’t have time to layer and bake, this slow cooker lasagna soup is the perfect solution. It has all the classic lasagna flavors—savory ground beef, hearty tomatoes, tender pasta, and rich, melty cheese—served in a warm, comforting bowl of soup. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe requires just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest.
Ingredients:
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1 pound ground beef – Use lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize fat. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
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½ medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
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1 bell pepper, diced – Use red, green, or yellow; it brings color and subtle sweetness.
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes – Provides a rich, smooth base.
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1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes – Adds texture and extra tomato flavor.
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1 teaspoon minced garlic – Enhances the savory notes.
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
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4 cups beef broth – Acts as the soup’s base. Choose low-sodium to control salt levels.
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12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – Traditional flat noodles work best; break them into bite-size pieces.
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½ cup ricotta cheese – Optional topping for creaminess.
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds that “lasagna” stretch.
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1 cup shredded parmesan cheese – Salty, sharp flavor for finishing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned and no pink remains, drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy texture in the soup. This step adds richness and builds the flavor base for the soup.
Tip: Add a pinch of salt while browning to season the beef early.
🔹 Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked beef into the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine the ingredients evenly.
Next, pour in the 4 cups of beef broth and stir again. This mixture will simmer into a flavorful broth, enhanced by the meat, vegetables, and seasoning.
Tip: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
🔹 Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and set it to:
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Low for 6–8 hours (for tender vegetables and deeply developed flavors), or
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High for 3–4 hours (if you’re short on time)
During this time, the soup will develop a deep, rich flavor while the vegetables soften and the seasonings meld into the broth.
Reminder: Avoid lifting the lid frequently—every time you open it, heat escapes and delays cooking.
🔹 Step 4: Add Lasagna Noodles
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, break the lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces and stir them into the slow cooker. Turn the heat to High, and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the noodles are fully tender.
Tip: Stir once or twice during this time to prevent noodles from sticking.
🔹 Step 5: Serve and Top with Cheese
Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of ricotta cheese, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
The hot soup will gently melt the cheeses, giving you the creamy, cheesy finish of baked lasagna—without all the layers!
Optional Add-ins & Variations
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Vegetarian: Use plant-based meat or add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Lighter version: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
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Spicier soup: Add a pinch of cayenne or swap ground beef with spicy Italian sausage.
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Richer flavor: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar while cooking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze before adding cheese for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the texture.
This slow cooker lasagna soup is cozy, cheesy, and satisfying—a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit.