Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup (Set It & Forget It)

The Lazy Lasagna That Loves You Back

Lasagna is one of those timeless comfort foods that warms you from the inside out—but let’s face it, assembling traditional lasagna can be a production. With layers of noodles, sauces, and cheese, it’s more of a weekend project than a weeknight dinner.

Enter: Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup—the perfect marriage of cozy Italian flavor and slow cooker ease. This dump-and-go recipe has everything you love about lasagna—rich tomato sauce, hearty meat, tender noodles, and gooey cheese—but in a spoonable, soul-warming format. Plus, it’s completely pork-free and alcohol-free, making it a family-friendly, wholesome meal that’s just as suitable for dietary restrictions as it is for hungry appetites.

Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or just need something easy and satisfying after a long day—this crockpot lasagna soup has your back.

Ingredients

Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: ~8 hours

🥘 For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef or turkey

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can tomato sauce

• 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth (ensure no added alcohol or pork ingredients)

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)

• 1 bay leaf

🍝 Add Later:

• 8 oz (225 g) uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or substitute rigatoni or fusilli)

🧀 Cheese Toppings (Add Just Before Serving):

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

🧑‍🍳 Step 1: Brown the Meat and Aromatics

While this is technically a dump-and-go recipe, browning your meat and onions first boosts flavor significantly.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Transfer everything to your slow cooker.

💡 Time Saver Tip: You can brown the meat the night before and store it in the fridge to truly dump-and-go in the morning.

🍅 Step 2: Add Liquids & Seasonings

To the slow cooker, add:

• Crushed tomatoes

• Tomato sauce

• Tomato paste

• Broth

• Dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

• Red pepper flakes (if using)

• Bay leaf

• Salt and pepper to taste

Stir everything gently to combine.

⏲️ Step 3: Set It & Forget It

Cover and cook the soup on:

• Low for 7–8 hours

• or High for 3½–4 hours

During this time, your slow cooker will develop that classic deep lasagna flavor without any babysitting.

🍝 Step 4: Add the Pasta

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles (or pasta of choice). Cover again and continue cooking on high until the noodles are tender—usually 25–30 minutes.

✅ Pro Tip: Stir once halfway through to prevent noodles from clumping together.

🧀 Step 5: Make It Cheesy!

When you’re ready to serve, prepare your cheese toppings:

• Stir together ricotta, half the mozzarella, and a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to make a cheesy blend.

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top each portion with a scoop of the cheese mixture.

• Sprinkle with more mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil or parsley.

🧡 Optional Upgrade: For a classic baked lasagna finish, spoon soup into oven-safe bowls, top with cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbling.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the sauce.

• Italian Chopped Salad: Adds a refreshing crunch and contrast to the soup’s richness.

• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant work wonderfully on the side.

• Kid-Friendly Pairing: Serve with soft breadsticks or mini cheese paninis.

🔁 Variations & Substitutions

🌱 Vegetarian Lasagna Soup

• Use lentils, white beans, or plant-based crumbles instead of meat.

• Swap chicken/beef broth with rich vegetable broth.

• Add mushrooms or zucchini for texture.

🧁 Dairy-Free / Vegan Option

• Use plant-based cheese alternatives (like cashew ricotta or vegan mozzarella).

• Omit dairy entirely and top with fresh herbs and nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe.

🍝 Pasta Options

• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed.

• Substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini for convenience.

❄️ Storage & Meal Prep Tips

🧊 Refrigerating:

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

🥶 Freezing:

For best texture, freeze the soup before adding pasta and cheese. When ready to enjoy:

1. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

2. Reheat, add pasta and cook until tender.

3. Finish with cheese as usual.

🧠 Freezer Hack: Freeze in individual portions with the cheese mixture in a separate container for easy grab-and-go lunches.

🧠 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I skip browning the meat?

Yes, you can. While browning adds depth of flavor, the soup will still cook safely if you add raw ground meat directly. Just ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature and break up any clumps mid-cook.

What’s the best pasta to use if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

Any hearty pasta like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli will work. Shorter noodles tend to hold their shape better in soups.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely! Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also stir in spicy turkey sausage (make sure it’s pork-free).

How can I make this lower-carb?

Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cooked cauliflower florets added at the end. Keep in mind the texture will be different, but the flavor remains delicious.

Is this safe for kids and toddlers?

Yes, absolutely. Just reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes to keep it mild, and opt for small pasta shapes for easier eating.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Follow the same steps in a Dutch oven:

1. Brown meat and onions.

2. Add liquids and simmer for 30 minutes.

3. Stir in pasta and cook until al dente.

4. Top with cheese and serve.

Can I use store-bought pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

You can, though it may result in a sweeter soup. Choose a low-sugar marinara or arrabbiata sauce and reduce added salt.

⚖️ Nutrition Info (Estimated per Serving)

• Calories: ~350–400

• Protein: ~22 g

• Carbs: ~28–32 g

• Fat: ~15–18 g

• Fiber: ~4 g

⚠️ Allergen Notes:

• Contains dairy (can be substituted)

• Contains gluten (unless using GF pasta)

• No pork, no alcohol, no bacon

Final Thoughts: Cozy, Effortless Comfort

When life gets busy, a recipe like this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup steps in as the hero of the weeknight dinner table. It combines everything we love about lasagna—rich tomato sauce, savory meat (or vegetarian options), gooey cheese, and satisfying pasta—but skips all the layering, baking, and babysitting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless prep and slow-cooked depth of flavor. You can start it in the morning and come home to a pot of steaming, savory soup ready to serve. It’s a great option for families, solo meal preppers, or anyone who wants that warm, Italian-inspired comfort without turning on the oven.

Why You’ll Come Back to This Recipe Again and Again:

✅ Kid-friendly – Mild, cheesy, and comforting.
✅ Meal-prep winner – It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
✅ Customizable – Works for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and gluten/dairy-free diets with simple swaps.
✅ One-pot simplicity – Less cleanup, less stress.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning ahead for the week, this slow cooker lasagna soup is a dependable, delicious recipe that always delivers.