Hearty Crock Pot Lasagna Soup

This crock pot lasagna soup captures all the comforting layers of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty bowl that’s simple to prepare. It’s the perfect meal to simmer gently throughout the day, filling your home with irresistible aromas and delivering all the rich flavors without the fuss of assembling.

I first made this soup on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how it brought the spirit of lasagna to the dinner table without stacking noodles and waiting. It quickly became a go-to hearty meal in our home.

Ingredients You Need

• Ground beef: adds a robust protein layer and savory depth choose lean for less grease
• Onion and garlic: build the aromatic foundation—pick firm, fresh produce for the best flavor
• Crushed tomatoes tomato sauce and tomato paste: create a rich balanced tomato base quality canned tomatoes make a big difference
• Beef broth: adds necessary moisture and enhances the meaty undertones opt for low sodium if you prefer to control salt precisely
• Dried basil and oregano: provide classic Italian herb notes—fresh herbs can be substituted if available
• Salt and black pepper: to taste for seasoning equilibrium
• Uncooked rotini pasta: offers perfect bite-sized noodles that cook directly in the soup
• Ricotta cheese: balances creaminess with a mild tang
• Mozzarella cheese: melts enticingly on top fresh shredded is preferable
• Grated Parmesan cheese: supplies a nutty finish
• Chopped parsley: for fresh garnish and a touch of color

Detailed Cooking Directions

Build The Meat Sauce:

In a medium skillet over medium heat cook the ground beef stirring occasionally until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté just until the onion turns translucent releasing fragrant aromas.

Transfer To Crock Pot And Add Liquids:

Move the beef mixture into your slow cooker. Stir in crushed tomatoes tomato sauce tomato paste and beef broth thoroughly to combine the flavors evenly.

Season And Simmer:

Add dried basil oregano salt and black pepper into the crock pot. Mix everything well cover and cook on low setting between six to seven hours for a slow rich melding of tastes or choose high setting for three to four hours if short on time.

Incorporate Pasta:

About half an hour before you plan to eat stir the raw rotini pasta into the soup. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the pasta is tender and perfectly infused with the broth.

Prepare The Ricotta Mixture:

While the pasta cooks blend ricotta cheese and the chopped parsley in a small bowl. This creamy mixture adds luxurious dollops of richness to each serving.

Serve And Garnish:

Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls. Add a spoonful of the ricotta and parsley mix followed by sprinkling shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty.

This recipe always reminds me of the first winter I made it and how the whole family gathered around sharing stories and seconds without complaint.

Smart Storage Tips

Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated up to three days. It reheats beautifully on the stove or microwave though you might want to add a little water or broth to loosen it since the pasta absorbs liquid overnight. This soup also freezes well for up to two months—thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently.

Ingredient Variations

Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to introduce a deeper spice profile. Include finely diced carrots or zucchini early on with onion and garlic to sneak in vegetables. Try fresh basil and oregano at the end of cooking for a bright herbal note just before serving.

Perfect Pairing Ideas

Serve with crusty garlic bread to mop up every last drop of soup. A crisp green side salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheese. Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a sparkling beverage to refresh the palate.

This crock pot lasagna soup is both a comforting and practical meal perfect for any day. Its simple preparation and rich flavors make it a family favorite time and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef?

Yes, substituting ground beef with Italian sausage adds a richer and spicier flavor profile to the soup.

→ When should the pasta be added during cooking?

Add uncooked rotini pasta about 30 minutes before the end of cooking to ensure it becomes tender but doesn't overcook.

→ How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?

If the soup thickens too much, stir in a little extra beef broth or water until the desired consistency is reached.

→ Can I include vegetables in this dish?

Yes, adding chopped vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or spinach can enhance texture and nutrition without overpowering flavors.

→ How should leftovers be stored for best freshness?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within three days for best taste and safety.