Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Brown the Beef:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This step adds depth and richness to the soup’s flavor.

Drain Excess Fat:
Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Assemble the Soup Base

Transfer to Slow Cooker:
Move the browned beef to your slow cooker. This allows it to meld with the other ingredients as they cook, creating a well-rounded base.

Add Vegetables and Tomatoes:
Add the diced onion, diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. This combination will give the soup a robust, savory flavor.

Tip: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

Pour in Beef Broth:
Add the beef broth, stirring everything together to combine. The broth will simmer with the ingredients, creating a rich base.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

Cook the Soup:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to develop fully.

Tip: If you’re short on time, cooking on high is an option; just check that the vegetables and meat are tender before adding the noodles.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Prepare the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before serving, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier serving.

Add to Slow Cooker:
Stir the broken noodles into the soup. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have soaked up the broth’s flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Add Cheese:
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and add dollops of ricotta cheese. Top each bowl with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Tip: For extra flavor, broil the soup in oven-safe bowls until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, like traditional lasagna.

Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot and savor the comforting blend of savory beef, rich tomato broth, and gooey cheese, offering all the flavors of lasagna in an easy, cozy soup form.

Serving Suggestions:

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is a complete meal, but here are a few serving ideas to make it even more special:

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping and scooping up the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with romaine lettuce and Parmesan is a refreshing side to balance the richness of the soup.
Italian-Style Bruschetta: Serve with toasted baguette slices topped with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Beverage Pairing: A light Italian red wine like Chianti pairs well, or for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon adds a nice contrast.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is fantastic for meal prep, as the flavors only improve over time!

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: For a make-ahead option, freeze the soup without the noodles. When ready to enjoy, thaw and heat the soup, adding fresh noodles in the last 30 minutes.
Freezing Tip: Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers to make weeknight dinners even easier!
Make-Ahead Option: Prep the ingredients the night before, then add them to the slow cooker in the morning. This is a time-saver for busy days.

For more slow cooker favorites, try our Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili or Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup!

Variations to Try:

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is delicious as-is, but here are a few fun ways to switch it up:

Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Swap the beef with a mixture of diced zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. Use vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or substitute Italian sausage for a bit of extra heat.
Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup: Stir in a cup of chopped spinach and an extra ½ cup of ricotta for a creamy, spinach lasagna-inspired twist.
White Lasagna Soup: Replace the tomatoes with 3 cups of chicken broth and add a can of white beans, a handful of fresh spinach, and a touch of cream for a “white” lasagna flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles or use rice for a gluten-free spin.

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is everything you love about lasagna—rich, cheesy, and comforting—without the layers and assembly. Ideal for busy days or cozy nights in, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. Give it a try, and don’t forget to make extra for leftovers; this soup only gets better with time. Happy cooking!