If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy goodness of Italian comfort food but want something fuss-free, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe. This recipe is seriously a game changer — it’s like your classic lasagna, but in a warm, comforting bowl of soup. And because it’s made in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, then show up to dinner like a kitchen hero. I promise you’ll love how simple and satisfying this one is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort Food: You get all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the layers, rolls, or oven time.
- Set It and Forget It: Toss ingredients in your slow cooker and come back hours later to pure deliciousness.
- Customizable and Family-Friendly: Easily swap meats or adjust spices to suit your taste – my kids go nuts over this!
- Cheesy, Layered Goodness: It incorporates three cheeses for that rich, creamy finish that makes lasagna so irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I first tried this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe, I realized the magic is in the combination of simple pantry staples and fresh flavors. Grab good quality broth and marinara because they play a big role in taste, and don’t skip the three cheeses—they bring that authentic lasagna vibe right to your bowl.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose lean options to keep things lighter, or go with your favorite sausage for extra flavor.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; I always dice it finely so it melding perfectly into the soup base.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here for that punch of savoriness we all love.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: I prefer low sodium so I can control the saltiness better.
- Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred kind or homemade if you’ve got it, for that tomato-rich base.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness; I keep the juices in for that soupy consistency.
- Herbs and spices (basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, onion powder, red pepper flakes): These bring all that classic Italian seasoning you want in lasagna.
- Lasagna noodles: Break into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat by spoon.
- Balsamic vinegar: A secret layer of tang that brightens the whole soup beautifully.
- Cheeses (parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta): The triple cheese combo is what truly makes this taste like lasagna.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, and don’t be shy—seasoning brings everything to life.
- Fresh parsley: Optional but adds a lovely fresh pop and color at the end.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love changing it up depending on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage: I did this when trying to eat leaner, and it still packs great flavor because of the herbs and cheese.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers: For an extra veggie boost, just toss them in with the onions before adding to the slow cooker.
- Make it spicy: Feel free to increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce if you like a heat kick.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the meat and add more beans or lentils — it’s surprisingly hearty that way.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (this step is optional when using lean meat). Cook your ground beef or sausage until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat—that way your soup won’t be greasy, just rich and flavorful. This step really builds the base flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned meat to your slow cooker. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chicken or vegetable broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and all your dried herbs and spices. Give everything a good stir to combine. This is where the magic happens—being able to dump everything in means you can set it and forget it, which I personally love on busy days.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long, slow simmer is what develops that deep, rich flavor that reminds me of grandma’s kitchen—without all the hassle.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before dinner time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and let them cook until tender, usually 30 minutes on high or 45 minutes on low. Keep an eye on the noodles because you don’t want them mushy—al dente is perfect for this!
Step 5: Finish and Season
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan. Then taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The vinegar really brightens the soup and balances the richness.
Step 6: Serve with Cheese Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta. If you have fresh parsley on hand, sprinkle that over the top—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor. Every spoonful melts in your mouth like a classic slice of lasagna, but better because it’s soup!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Use Quality Broth: I always go for low sodium broth so I can better control seasoning and avoid a salty soup.
- Don’t Skip Browning Meat: It adds a depth of flavor you just don’t get by throwing raw meat in the slow cooker.
- Watch Your Noodles: Add them at the very end to prevent them from getting mushy and breaking down too much.
- Adjust for Thickness: If the soup feels too thick after adding noodles, just stir in a splash more broth or water for your preferred consistency.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I also like adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish. If you want a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes on top is amazing too!
Side Dishes
I love pairing this soup with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette—it adds just the right brightness. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are great for dipping and soaking up every last cheesy drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I serve it in small, shallow bowls topped with ricotta rosettes and fresh basil leaves. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or serve it with a side of mini caprese skewers for an Italian-inspired dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it keeps perfectly for up to 4 days—though the noodles absorb the broth over time, so it thickens a bit (which I actually don’t mind!).
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup successfully before, but I recommend undercooking the noodles if you plan to freeze, or even freezing the soup base separately and cooking the noodles fresh when you reheat. This helps keep the texture just right.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in bursts, stirring between to ensure even warmth and prevent drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and consider adding beans, lentils, or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to keep it hearty and filling. You might also want to use vegetable broth and a vegetarian marinara sauce.
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What type of cheese works best for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe?
I love using a combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta—it gives the soup its signature creamy, cheesy texture that’s reminiscent of classic lasagna. Freshly grated parmesan has a depth that pre-grated can’t match.
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Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta that holds up well in soup. Break them into bite-sized pieces as usual and adjust cooking time since gluten-free pastas can cook a bit faster.
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How long can I keep leftovers?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers are best enjoyed within 4 days for optimal flavor and texture. The noodles may absorb more broth over time, but reheating with a little extra liquid helps refresh the soup.
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Is it okay to add the noodles at the beginning?
I don’t recommend it because the noodles tend to get mushy and fall apart. Adding them at the end ensures they cook just right and maintain a pleasant texture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those meals I keep coming back to when I want comfort food that doesn’t eat up my evening. It’s warm, cheesy, and everything you love about lasagna with zero stress. Give it a try—I promise it’ll become a new weeknight favorite for you and your loved ones. Trust me, your slow cooker will thank you!
Print
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (Low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (High)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make soup. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage, a variety of Italian herbs, broken lasagna noodles, and three types of cheese, this recipe offers a perfect blend of rich, savory taste and convenience. Slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully, making it an ideal meal for chilly days or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- Cook the ground meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, fully cook the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the soup light.
- Add ingredients to slow cooker: Transfer the cooked meat to the slow cooker insert. Add diced onion, minced garlic, broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, oregano, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld deeply.
- Add noodles: About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue cooking for 30-45 minutes until noodles reach your desired tenderness. Thirty minutes on High usually works perfectly.
- Finish and season: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the balsamic vinegar and grated parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with grated mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- This soup mimics the classic taste of lasagna but is much easier to prepare as a slow cooker meal.
- You can swap ground beef or Italian sausage with ground turkey for a lighter option.
- The mix of parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese gives a rich and creamy texture similar to traditional lasagna layers.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 4 days and reheat nicely for quick meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 424 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 1405 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg

