Name: Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h 30 min
Total time: 6 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional); 8 ounces dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces (8 to 10 sheets); 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; Torn fresh basil leaves

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Alright, let me tell you about this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe that has totally changed my chilly-night dinner game. It’s like all the comfort of classic lasagna but without the fuss — simmered low and slow in a pot, making your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to throw together, which means you can get it going before you start your day and come home to a warm, savory meal waiting for you.

This soup is a real crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or serving guests who love hearty, cozy flavors. What makes this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe stand out is the way the noodles soak up all that meaty, tomatoey goodness, leaving you with each spoonful bursting with rich layers of taste. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to slow cooker recipes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this soup is straightforward and pantry-friendly, which I love. You’ll find that these ingredients harmonize beautifully, giving you all the flavors of lasagna without the layers. Here are a few tips on picking the best components to make your soup sing.

Lean ground beef: I prefer lean for less grease, but feel free to go a bit fattier for extra flavor.
Kosher salt: Always helps seasons evenly, but taste as you go!
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a nice subtle heat — freshly ground is a game changer.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup flavorful without overpowering, and the low salt lets you control seasoning.
Marinara sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce works just fine here, but homemade marinara is ideal if you have time.
Small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth — sautéed or raw, up to you.
Garlic, minced: Gives that classic Italian aroma and warmth.
Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme keeps it simple and authentic.
Parmesan cheese rind (optional): This little addition amps up the parmesan flavor without extra cheese chunks.
Dried lasagna noodles: Break them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the soup.
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Perfect for melting right on top before serving.
Ricotta cheese: I dollop this in for creamy richness that balances the tangy tomato flavors.
Fresh basil leaves: Torn fresh, they brighten the soup right before serving.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I often switch things up depending on what I have around or what I’m craving that day.

Vegetarian version: I swap out the ground beef for lentils or chopped mushrooms — both soak up the sauce beautifully and keep it hearty.
Spicy twist: Sometimes I add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if I’m feeling bold.
Gluten-free noodles: I’ve tried gluten-free pasta broken into pieces and it works great, just watch the cooking time so the noodles don’t get mushy.
Extra veggies: I like tossing in chopped bell peppers or spinach for a fresh boost.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

This first step is where you build flavor, so don’t skip it! I like to brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat until it’s nicely caramelized — this adds a rich depth that a slow cooker alone can’t deliver. Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 2 minutes, to soften and sweeten them without burning. Drain any excess grease to keep the soup from getting oily.

Step 2: Combine Everything in Your Slow Cooker

Now, add the browned beef mixture to the slow cooker along with the chicken broth, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, pepper, and Parmesan rind if using. Give it a good stir to mix all those beautiful flavors together before you start the slow cook. This hearty base is what makes the soup so comforting.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Add the Noodles

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for about 5 to 6 hours to let the flavors mingle and develop fully. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. They’ll cook perfectly in the remaining time and soak up all the tasty broth, becoming tender but not mushy. Watch the timing closely here because overcooked noodles can get soggy fast!

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping my bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a dollop of ricotta to recreate that creamy, cheesy vibe from traditional lasagna. Toss on some torn fresh basil leaves for freshness and a pop of color — it makes the soup feel extra special and fragrant.

Side Dishes

To keep things cozy and Italian-inspired, I love pairing this soup with some crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. A simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette also balances the richness of the soup nicely. If you’re serving company, a crisp Caesar salad is a solid choice!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve served this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe in rustic bread bowls — people love tearing into the bread and soaking up every last drop. You can also layer the garnishes on small spoons for a whimsical, bite-sized appetizer version at parties. It’s a fun twist that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After a big batch, I usually portion leftovers into airtight containers and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. Because of the noodles, the soup thickens as it sits, so give it a good stir after warming it back up to loosen things up.

Freezing

Freezing this soup works well if you skip adding the noodles before freezing. I freeze the broth and meat base only, then add fresh noodles when reheating. This way, the texture stays much better, and your soup tastes freshly made even on a rushed night.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup up if it’s too thick. If you’ve frozen and thawed the base, bring it to a simmer, add fresh noodles, and cook until tender to enjoy the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe without ground beef?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes. For a vegetarian option, lentils or chopped mushrooms work wonderfully to add texture and protein.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy in slow cooker soup?

The trick is to add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking rather than at the start. This ensures they cook through without over-soaking and turning mushy.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and add noodles fresh when reheating if you want perfect texture.
Is the Parmesan rind necessary?

Not necessary, but it really enhances the depth of the broth. If you don’t have a rind, a little extra Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end works great too.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering everything together, but keep an eye on the noodles—they’ll cook much faster. Simmer for about 30 minutes and add noodles last, cooking until tender.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how seamlessly it combines the comfort of lasagna with the convenience of slow cooking — it’s truly a time-saver without sacrificing taste. If you want a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that fills your home with irresistible aromas while you go about your day, this soup is it. Give it a try and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine!