Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

The Warmest Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe for Cold Days

Comfort meals reach new heights with this delectable slow cooker lasagna soup that combines classic Italian flavors in a hearty, soul-warming dish.

Layers of rich marinara, tender pasta, and melted cheese create a delightful twist on traditional lasagna.

Each spoonful promises a burst of robust seasonings and comforting textures that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella add luxurious depth to this easy-to-prepare soup.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, making this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Grab a crusty bread and prepare to savor every delicious bite of this game-changing soup.

Why This Lasagna Soup Is Comfort in a Bowl

  • Simplify Lasagna Prep
  • Turn classic lasagna into a hassle-free soup that delivers all the rich, cheesy flavors without complicated layering techniques.
  • Swap meats, add extra veggies, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible.
  • Hands-off cooking method means minimal active preparation, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without constant monitoring.
  • Packed with hearty ingredients and familiar Italian flavors, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Ingredients

Meat Base:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that provides a rich and savory foundation for the soup.
Soup Liquid and Tomato Components:
  • Pasta Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: These ingredients create a robust tomato base with deep Italian flavor.
  • Beef Broth, Bouillon: Adds depth and enhances the overall meaty taste of the soup.
Pasta and Cream Components:
  • Lasagna Noodles: Traditional pasta that breaks into rustic pieces to create a hearty soup texture.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and creamy element to soften the soup's intensity.
  • Spinach: Introduces a fresh and nutritious green component to balance the richness.
Cheese Topping:
  • Ricotta Cheese: Provides a soft and creamy texture to the soup topping.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a classic stretchy and mild cheese flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers a sharp and salty note to enhance the overall taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic seasoning to the cheese mixture.
  • Basil: Introduces a fresh herbal note to complement the cheese blend.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings traditional Italian flavor to the soup.

How to Cook Lasagna Soup in a Crockpot

Step 1: Sizzle Savory Meat

Grab a large skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Toss in the Italian sausage and gently break it into small, delicious crumbles using a spatula.

Just before the meat finishes browning, sprinkle in the garlic to infuse incredible flavor.

Once the meat looks perfectly cooked and smells amazing, transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Pro tip: If there’s excess grease, drain it to keep your soup light and delectable.

Step 2: Create Robust Soup Foundation

Pour into the slow cooker:
  • Pasta sauce
  • Diced tomatoes (liquid included)
  • Italian seasoning

Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients.

Add beef broth and bouillon if desired.

Mix well, cover the slow cooker, and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Introduce Noodle Magic

When cooking time is almost complete, crack lasagna noodles into rough pieces directly into the soup.

Swirl in heavy cream and spinach.

Replace lid and cook on high for 30-45 minutes until noodles become tender.

Step 4: Craft Dreamy Cheese Topping

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan
  • Garlic powder
  • Basil

Mix these ingredients into a creamy blend that will melt gloriously into the soup.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into bowls and crown each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture.

Watch as it melts slightly, creating an irresistible, gooey lasagna experience in every single bite.

Tips for Rich and Hearty Lasagna Soup

  • Remove excess fat from browned sausage to prevent a greasy soup and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
  • Roughly break lasagna noodles by hand directly into the slow cooker for a rustic, homemade texture that captures authentic soup consistency.
  • Add heavy cream and spinach near the end of cooking to preserve their fresh taste and prevent curdling or overcooking.
  • Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and basil before serving to create a melt-in-your-mouth topping that mimics classic lasagna layers.
  • Adjust cooking times based on your schedule – low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours ensures tender, flavorful results.

Storing and Reheating Lasagna Soup

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup's flavors will actually deepen overnight.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing the cheese topping separately.
  • Transfer soup to a pot and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Check temperature before serving.

Best Pairings for Lasagna Soup

  • Pair with Zesty Red Wine Contrast: Choose a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to cut through the soup's richness, enhancing the tomato and sausage flavors with its acidic profile.
  • Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Select a rustic, hearty Italian bread brushed with olive oil and roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the soup's savory broth and adding textural crunch.
  • Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed greens salad with arugula, basil, and parsley, dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty soup.
  • Serve with Crisp Pinot Grigio: For those preferring white wine, a chilled Pinot Grigio offers a clean, light flavor that won't overpower the soup's complex layers while cutting through its creamy texture.

Lasagna Soup Style Variations

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to maintain rich flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or replace with zucchini noodles. Select certified gluten-free pasta sauce and broth to ensure complete dietary compatibility.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining soup's robust taste and creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheeses with cashew-based ricotta and nutritional yeast. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to create a similar richness without animal products.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain excess fat before adding to the slow cooker for the best flavor and texture.

  • Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This lasagna soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just keep the cheese topping separate and add it when reheating to maintain its fresh, creamy texture.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the meat and beef broth with plant-based alternatives like vegetable broth and crumbled plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms to maintain a hearty flavor profile.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles?

No, break the uncooked noodles directly into the soup during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. They’ll absorb the delicious broth and become perfectly tender.

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Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker lasagna soup brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with layers of rich flavor. Creamy ricotta and melted cheese crown this one-pot wonder, promising delicious satisfaction for hungry families seeking a comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef, or a 50/50 blend)

Liquid Base and Tomato Components:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) pasta sauce (or marinara)
  • 14.5 ounces (411 grams) petite diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon beef bouillon (optional, or Better Than Bouillon beef base)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 pinch garlic powder
  • 12 ounces lasagna noodles
  • 12 cups baby leaf spinach (optional)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat by heating a skillet over medium temperature. Crumble the Italian sausage, cooking until nearly browned. Add minced garlic during the final minute of cooking to preserve its robust flavor. Transfer the meat to the slow cooker, draining excess grease if necessary.
  2. Create the soup foundation by combining pasta sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning in the slow cooker. Pour in beef broth and optional bouillon, stirring thoroughly. Cover and set slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  3. Approach the final stages by breaking lasagna noodles into rustic pieces directly into the soup during the last cooking hour. Incorporate heavy cream and optional spinach. Continue cooking on high for 30-45 minutes until noodles reach desired tenderness.
  4. Craft the cheese blend by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and basil in a separate bowl. This mixture will provide a luxurious, melting garnish for the soup.
  5. Serve the soup in individual bowls, generously topping each portion with the prepared cheese mixture. Allow the cheese to slightly melt, creating a decadent, creamy layer that enhances the soup’s overall flavor profile.

Notes

  • Swap Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for diverse dietary preferences without compromising flavor profile.
  • Adjust heavy cream quantity based on desired richness; use half-and-half or milk for lighter versions without losing creaminess.
  • Break lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easier eating experience in the soup.
  • Replace beef broth with vegetable broth and eliminate meat for a complete vegetarian meal that maintains robust taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hour (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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