Name: Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional); 8 ounces dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces (8 to 10 sheets); 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; Torn fresh basil leaves

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Let me tell you, this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort dinners, especially on chilly evenings when I just want something warm, cheesy, and utterly satisfying without standing over the stove. It magically captures all the rich, hearty flavors of classic lasagna in a cozy, spoonable soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

What makes this recipe so special is how ridiculously simple it is to put together and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. I love that you can walk away and come back to a bubbling pot of goodness, with tender noodles, savory meat, and creamy cheese mingling like they were made for each other. Trust me, once you try this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe, you’ll want to keep it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beautiful thing about these ingredients: they’re straightforward pantry favorites that come together to build layers of flavor just like a traditional lasagna, minus all the hassle of stacking pasta sheets. I always suggest using quality marinara sauce—it really makes a difference.

Lean ground beef: I opt for 90% lean to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
Kosher salt: For seasoning meat and broth perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds that little spicy kick.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without overwhelming saltiness.
Marinara sauce: Using a good-quality jarred sauce saves tons of time and layers in robust tomato flavor.
Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when it’s slow-cooked.
Garlic cloves, minced: A must for that classic Italian aroma.
Italian seasoning: A blend that keeps it authentic and super tasty.
Parmesan cheese rind (optional): Don’t toss this—toss it in the pot for an extra cheesy, umami boost and fish it out before serving.
Dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces: Breaking them up means every spoonful gets some noodles, making it less messy and easier to serve.
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Melted on top for that gooey finish we all love.
Ricotta cheese: Dolloped on at the end for creamy richness.
Fresh basil leaves: A fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Variations

I like to encourage you to make this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe your own. I’ve tried a bunch of tweaks based on what’s in my fridge or what dietary needs pop up around here, and each one brings something fun to the table.

Meatless version: Swap out the ground beef for mushrooms or extra beans—adds great texture and keeps it hearty.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or switch marinara for a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little heat.
Gluten-free noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to keep everyone happy around the table.
Extra veggies: Toss in chopped zucchini or bell peppers early on to sneak in more nutrition.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef with Seasoning

First, grab a skillet and brown your lean ground beef over medium heat, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks. You want to get it slightly caramelized which adds depth to the soup’s flavor—don’t rush this part! Once browned, drain off excess fat to keep the soup from turning greasy.

Step 2: Load Everything into the Slow Cooker

Next, add the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and the Parmesan rind right into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir so everything starts mingling. This is where all those classic lasagna flavors start to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours. The longer, slower cook really tenderizes the onions and lets the flavors deepen. Resist the urge to peek too often—slow cookers keep heat stable best when the lid stays put.

Step 4: Add the Broken Lasagna Noodles

About 30 minutes before you want to eat, stir the broken dried lasagna noodles into the soup. This timing lets them soften adequately without getting mushy. Cover and cook for the remaining time, then get ready for that cheesy finale!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I swear by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a big dollop of ricotta on top—it’s like a little scoop of creamy heaven in each bowl. Then I finish with torn fresh basil leaves for that aroma and color pop. It’s simple, but the fresh herb really lifts the dish.

Side Dishes

This soup is a star all on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Honestly, the bread is key for scooping up every last bit of that luscious broth and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this soup in rustic mini bread bowls for a family party, which was a huge hit and felt a bit fancy without extra effort. I also like layering some extra cheese under the lid of each bowl and broiling for a minute to get a melty, bubbly top—kinda like individual lasagnas in a bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and it keeps wonderfully for about 3-4 days. Keep the cheese toppings separate if you can, to prevent sogginess; just add them fresh when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Just remember to leave out the fresh ricotta and basil when freezing, and add those when you reheat. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it’s a lifesaver for busy days when you want home-cooked comfort in minutes.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent noodles from sticking or getting mushy. Adding a splash of broth or water helps loosen it up if it thickens too much. Then I finish it off with fresh cheese and herbs just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of beef in this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner substitute and works just as well in slow cooker recipes. Just brown it the same way as beef before adding to your slow cooker for maximum flavor and safe cooking.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

The key is to add the broken lasagna noodles about 30 minutes before serving. Cooking them too long in the slow cooker can turn them mushy, so timing matters. Keeping an eye on them and stirring occasionally helps too.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all ingredients except the noodles, cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, quick release, then stir in the noodles and cook on sauté until softened. Just watch the noodles carefully to avoid overcooking.
Is the Parmesan rind necessary?

It’s optional but highly recommended. Adding the rind adds a rich, umami depth to the broth as it simmers. Just remove it before serving since it’s tough and not meant to be eaten.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can sauté and combine everything except the noodles and cheese, refrigerate, and then add noodles and cook when you’re ready to serve. This makes busy weeknights much easier without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe has become such a comforting ritual in my kitchen—there’s something so cozy about dipping a spoon into all those familiar flavors but in a comforting bowl of soup. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do, especially on days when you want all the warmth and heartiness of lasagna without the fuss. Give it a try, invite some friends or family over, and enjoy that bowl full of cheesy, saucy happiness—you deserve it!