This Crockpot Cheesy Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty soup! With pasta, cheese, and yummy sauce, it’s comfort in a bowl.
Make sure to grab a big spoon—there’s cheesy goodness in every bite! I love how easy it is to toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook. Dinner has never been simpler!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the soup. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great! For a vegetarian twist, try lentils or mushrooms instead.
Onion and Garlic: These are key for flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder as a quick substitute—just go light on the amounts!
Beef Broth: Choose low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning. Vegetable broth is a perfect alternative for a lighter flavor.
Lasagna Noodles: I like breaking standard lasagna noodles into chunks, but you can switch to any pasta shapes you enjoy, like rotini or penne!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor. For a lighter option, use part-skim cheese.
How Do I Ensure the Noodles Don’t Get Mushy?
Adding the noodles at the right time is crucial. Since they’ll cook quickly in the broth, you want to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This gives them just enough time to become tender without turning mushy.
- Check the noodles after about 20 minutes to see if they’re done to your liking.
- If you’re using a different pasta, adjust the cooking time accordingly—smaller pasta shapes will cook faster!
These tips will help you whip up a delicious, comforting lasagna soup that your family will love! Enjoy cooking!
Crockpot Cheesy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and then cooks to perfection in your crockpot over 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. It’s the perfect no-fuss meal to whip up and enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown the meat, stirring until it’s fully cooked and the onions become soft, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture into your crockpot. It’s time to add all the other delicious ingredients!
3. Add the Other Ingredients:
Pour in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir so that it’s all mixed together nicely.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You can now relax while your soup simmers!
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, it’s time to add the lasagna noodles. Toss them into the crockpot and stir gently to combine.
6. Final Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot again and let the noodles cook on high until they’re tender, which will take about 20-30 minutes.
7. Stir in the Cream and Cheese:
Once the noodles are soft, stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste! If it needs a little more flavor, add a pinch more salt or some fresh herbs.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your comforting, cheesy lasagna soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Enjoy the warmth and yumminess of this family favorite!
Dig in and savor every bite of this delicious and easy soup on a chilly evening!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to ground beef. Just be aware that it may change the flavor profile slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with chopped mushrooms, lentils, or vegetarian sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a rich flavor without meat.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes! This Cheesy Lasagna Soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply heat it on the stove or microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up as it thickens in the fridge!