There’s something special about a recipe that feels comforting before you even take the first bite, and this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup fits that perfectly. It has everything people love about classic lasagna — the slow-simmered tomato sauce, tender noodles, seasoned beef, and creamy ricotta — but without the work. No layering, no baking, no fuss.

You brown the meat, toss in the ingredients, and let the slow cooker do exactly what it does best. The flavors deepen as it simmers, the noodles soften into the broth, and the ricotta melts into a silky swirl that makes each spoonful warm and comforting. It tastes like an Italian dinner that took hours, but the prep is unbelievably simple.
This is the kind of soup families return to again and again. It’s hearty, cheesy, cozy, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for chilly nights, busy schedules, and anyone who wants a homemade dinner that feels special without extra work.
Why This Version of Lasagna Soup Is So Good
- Effortless cooking — after browning the beef, everything cooks in the slow cooker.
- Rich, layered flavor — herbs, garlic, and tomatoes meld together beautifully.
- Creamy finish — ricotta turns the broth velvety without making it heavy.
- Family-approved — even picky eaters love it.
- Customizable — change the protein, add veggies, or boost the spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Soup Base
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (12 oz) package lasagna noodles, broken into 1–2 inch pieces
Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Before You Begin
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare your cookware and slow cooker as needed. Cooking results and prep times may vary depending on ingredient size and your equipment.
Step 1 — Brown the Beef
Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and reaches 160°F (71°C). Drain excess fat. Add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2 — Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Move the beef mixture into the slow cooker. Stir in broth and crushed tomatoes until combined.
Step 3 — Add the Pasta
Break lasagna noodles into 1–2 inch pieces and gently press them into the liquid.
Check that all noodles are submerged to ensure even softening.
Step 4 — Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Cook until noodles are softened and flexible, checking doneness after the minimum time.
(Notes: Slow cooker temperatures vary, so adjust as needed.)
Step 5 — Make It Creamy
Stir in the ricotta until fully melted and smooth with no visible lumps. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6 — Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
How to Serve
- Garlic bread
- Warm breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- A drizzle of olive oil on top
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerator: 3–4 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months (freeze without pasta for best texture)
- Reheat:
- Stovetop: medium heat
- Microwave: 2 minutes, stir halfway
Helpful Tips
- Brown the meat well for deeper flavor.
- Stir once during cooking to prevent noodle sticking.
- If soup gets too thick, add warm broth.
- If too thin, simmer uncovered briefly.
Popular Variations
- Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup – use half sausage, half beef.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup – mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
- Creamier Version – stir in a splash of cream.
- Spicy Kick – add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Veggie Version – add spinach, zucchini, or carrots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta?
Yes — rotini, fusilli, or penne work well. Adjust cook time to avoid mushiness.
Can I replace beef with turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey keeps the flavor but is lighter.
How do I avoid mushy noodles?
Check early and stir once mid-cook.
Does this soup freeze well?
Yes — but freeze without noodles. Add pasta when reheating.
What if the soup is too thick?
Add warm broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup delivers comfort in every bowl. It’s hearty, cheesy, deeply flavorful, and unbelievably easy to make — the perfect weeknight dinner for anyone who loves classic Italian comfort food without the extra steps. This is the kind of recipe that fits into real-life schedules and still feels like a homemade treat.

Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup
Author: Isaac Blogger
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Method: Slow Cooker
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~420 per serving
Before You Begin
Wash and dry all produce thoroughly. Prepare cookware and slow cooker as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on equipment and ingredient sizes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (12 oz) package lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and reaches 160°F (71°C). Drain fat.
- Add garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Transfer mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in broth and crushed tomatoes.
- Add lasagna noodles, pressing gently so they are fully submerged.
- Cook on LOW 4–6 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours, until noodles are softened and flexible, checking after the minimum time.
- Stir in ricotta until fully blended and smooth with no visible lumps.
- Serve warm topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
Nutrition (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on brands and measurements.



