Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Photo of author
Published:

This site contains affiliate links and ads that help us share recipes at no extra cost to you. Read our disclosure policy.

slow cooker lasagna soup

I still remember the first time I made this slow cooker lasagna soup on a particularly busy Tuesday when my family was craving something hearty but I didn’t have three hours to layer a traditional lasagna. That’s when this beautiful recipe was born in my kitchen all the rich, comforting flavors of classic lasagna, but simplified into one pot that practically cooks itself.

There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of garlic, herbs, and simmering tomatoes filling your house. This soup captures every bit of that cozy lasagna comfort we all love, but without the fuss of layering noodles or waiting for the oven to heat up. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of love.

What I adore most about this recipe is how it brings everyone to the table. Kids love the familiar flavors, adults appreciate the convenience, and there’s always enough for seconds. Let’s get into the kitchen and make something that’ll have your family asking for this again and again.

Table talk 

 with Michelle!

There’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of something warm and comforting simmering away. Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is that kind of dish—rich, hearty, and made for sharing. I’ve made it countless times, and it never disappoints. Even the pickiest eaters in my house ask for seconds. Simple, cozy, and packed with flavor every time!

Michelle

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

This recipe has become my go-to for those days when life gets busy but dinner still needs to happen. Here’s why it’ll become yours too:

First, it’s incredibly forgiving. You can make this I promise. Whether you’re using ground beef, Italian sausage, or even ground turkey for a lighter option, this soup works beautifully. The slow cooker does most of the work while you handle everything else life throws your way.

The flavors develop so beautifully over those long, slow cooking hours. Every spoonful delivers that classic lasagna taste with tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese that stretches just like the real thing. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Most importantly, this feeds a crowd without breaking the bank. One pot makes enough for dinner tonight and lunch tomorrow, which means you’re getting two meals from one afternoon of prep. That’s what I call a kitchen win.

What You’ll Need

Let me walk you through what makes this slow cooker lasagna soup so special. I always keep most of these ingredients on hand because they’re kitchen staples that work in so many recipes:

  • Ground meat : I reach for lean ground beef most often, but Italian sausage adds incredible flavor if you want something extra special. Ground turkey works beautifully too with a touch of olive oil
  • Yellow onion and garlic : These aromatics build the flavor foundation. Fresh garlic makes all the difference here
  • Broth and marinara : Chicken or vegetable broth keeps it light, while good marinara sauce brings that authentic Italian taste
  • Diced tomatoes : I prefer the canned variety for consistent texture and flavor
  • Italian herbs : Dried basil, parsley, oregano, and rosemary create that classic lasagna seasoning blend
  • Lasagna noodles : Break them into bite-sized pieces no need to be perfect about it
  • Three cheeses : Parmesan for depth, mozzarella for that stretchy goodness, and ricotta for creaminess
  • Balsamic vinegar : Just a splash brightens everything up at the end

Let’s Make It Together

This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s simpler than you think:

  1. Brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease – this step builds flavor and prevents a greasy soup.
  2. Combine everything in your slow cooker. Add the cooked meat, diced onion, minced garlic, broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, and all those beautiful herbs. Give it a good stir to marry all the flavors.
  3. Let it cook low and slow. Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours. Your house will smell incredible during this time.
  4. Add the noodles when you have 30 minutes left. Stir in those broken lasagna pieces, cover again, and cook for 30-45 minutes until they’re perfectly tender.
  5. Finish with love. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and grated Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you make it yours.
  6. Serve immediately topped with dollops of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and fresh parsley if you have it. Watch those cheese strings stretch!

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker lasagna soup is wonderful on its own, but here are some of my favorite ways to make it even more special:

Serve it with crusty garlic bread for dipping there’s something so satisfying about soaking up that rich broth. A simple green salad with Italian dressing completes the meal perfectly.

For special occasions, I like to set up a little cheese station with extra ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan so everyone can customize their bowl. Kids especially love being able to add their own cheese.

During colder months, this soup becomes the star of casual dinner parties. I’ll make a double batch and serve it in mugs for a cozy, hands-on meal that encourages conversation.

Make It Your Own

One of the beautiful things about this slow cooker lasagna soup is how adaptable it is to your family’s preferences:

Vegetarian version Skip the meat and add diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra vegetables

Spicy Increase those red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of mild

Lighter option Ground turkey with a splash of olive oil works wonderfully, and you can use part-skim cheeses

Gluten-free Substitute the lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety

slow cooker lasagna soup : Kitchen Tips & Tricks

After making this countless times, here are the little secrets that make all the difference:

Don’t skip browning the meat first this step adds so much flavor that you’ll taste in every spoonful. I learned this the hard way when I tried to save time once!

Break those noodles irregularly rather than cutting them perfectly. The varied sizes create better texture and make each bite more interesting. Cook with feeling – not just timing.

If your soup seems too thick after adding the noodles, splash in a bit more broth. Every slow cooker cooks a little differently, so trust your instincts about consistency.

slow cooker lasagna soup

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This slow cooker lasagna soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a sealed container. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

For reheating, add a splash of broth since the noodles will absorb liquid as it sits. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

While I don’t recommend freezing this particular soup because of the dairy and pasta, you can freeze the base before adding noodles and cheese for up to 3 months.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup check out these comforting fall dishes:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pasta instead of lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time since smaller pasta cooks faster.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this on the stovetop! Simmer everything except the noodles for about 30 minutes, then add the pasta and cook until tender.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Skip the cheeses and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Why add balsamic vinegar at the end?

That little splash brightens all the flavors and adds a subtle depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is!

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker lasagna soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s the kind of recipe that brings families together around the dinner table, creates leftovers that everyone actually wants to eat, and fills your home with the most incredible aromas.

Every time I make this, I’m reminded that the best recipes aren’t always the fanciest ones they’re the ones that nourish both body and soul. This smells like home, tastes like a warm hug, and proves that you don’t need to be a chef to make something truly special.

Thanks for being in my kitchen today. I hope this recipe becomes as treasured in your home as it is in mine.

Before You Dig In!

If you give Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and a quick review—it really helps us keep sharing free, delicious recipes you can trust.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
slow cooker lasagna soup

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Michelle
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 6 hrs
  • Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

A cozy and hearty Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup made with tender noodles, savory ground beef, rich tomato broth, and topped with a cheesy blend for the perfect comforting meal.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (optional, for ground turkey)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef or ground Italian sausage (use ground turkey for a lightened-up option)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella
  • ½ cup ricotta
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. In large skillet over medium heat, fully cook the ground beef. Drain the excess grease.
  2. Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker insert, then add the diced onion, minced garlic, broth, marinara, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, oregano, dried rosemary and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
  3. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
  4. When you have 30 minutes left in the cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue to cook for 30-45 minutes, until the noodles are done to your liking. Thirty minutes on high was perfect for us.
  5. At the end of cooking time, stir in the balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately topped with mozzarella, ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and eat within 4 days.

Notes

For extra flavor, use Italian sausage instead of beef and garnish with fresh herbs.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 424 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 1405 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 33 g

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star