Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe

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If you love the comforting, rich flavors of classic Italian lasagna but are craving something a little lighter and quicker to enjoy, Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is an absolute game changer. This recipe takes all the best parts of lasagna—the cozy, hearty sauce, the meaty goodness, and the creamy cheese—and transforms them into a warm, bowl-friendly form that simmers gently throughout the day. It’s a wonderfully easy way to satisfy those lasagna cravings with minimal fuss, and the slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day. I can’t wait to share how you can make this hearty, soul-warming soup your new weeknight favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup experience—from the savory meats that build a robust base to the herbs and tomatoes that provide that unmistakable Italian flair. These simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and heartiness.

• Olive oil: A splash of olive oil elevates the browning of meats and brings a slight fruity richness to the base.
• Lean ground beef: Adds tender, juicy meatiness that is essential for an authentic lasagna taste.
• Italian sausage (casing removed): Brings bold, herbed flavor and a bit of spice to the soup’s depth.
• Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with its unmistakable warm, aromatic foundation.
• Sweet onion (diced): Softens the mixture with its gentle sweetness and adds texture.
• Crushed tomatoes: The rich, velvety base that carries that classic lasagna tomato flavor.
• Petite diced tomatoes: Give the soup a lovely texture contrast and bursts of tomato brightness.
• Beef stock: Enhances the soup’s savory depth and ensures a hearty broth.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that delivers authentic Italian essence in each bite.
• Dried basil: Adds a subtle sweet and peppery note, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that awaken all the flavors.
• Uncooked campanelle pasta: Its unique shape catches the sauce beautifully, giving each spoonful a satisfying bite.
• Whole milk ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, mellow tanginess that mimics lasagna’s cheesy layers perfectly.
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves: A fresh, bright touch for garnish that complements the soup’s rich flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meats and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to create the perfect searing surface. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them apart with a spoon as they cook. Browning these meats thoroughly, about 5 to 8 minutes, locks in their rich flavors, setting the foundation for an irresistibly savory soup. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy. Then, stir in the minced garlic and diced sweet onion, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onions turn translucent and fragrant—a small step that releases a ton of flavor early on.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Transfer that perfectly browned and flavorful meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add in both the crushed and petite diced tomatoes, beef stock, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Season everything generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These ingredients create a vibrant, robust lasagna sauce in liquid form, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it cooks gently.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 5 to 6 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, making the soup rich and deeply satisfying. After the long simmer, uncover and stir in the uncooked campanelle pasta. Replace the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. A final seasoning check ensures a supremely balanced dish.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches

When ready to serve, spoon the soup into bowls and add generous dollops of creamy ricotta cheese on top. The soft, milky ricotta melts slightly into the hot broth, mimicking the cheesy layers of a traditional lasagna but with a delightful, lighter twist. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and fresh herbaceousness that brightens the warmth of this comforting Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

While the ricotta cheese is a must, consider sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of nutty, salty goodness. A few torn basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also lift the flavors and add a bit of freshness or subtle heat, depending on your mood.

Side Dishes

Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the richness, making this meal feel well-rounded and satisfying. For a real treat, juxtapose with roasted vegetables that bring some crunch and earthy undertones to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out bell peppers to impress guests or delight kids. Layer with extra ricotta and Mozzarella on top, then lightly broil for a bubbly, golden crust—the lasagna experience in soup form, but with bonus wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its flavors and prevent it from absorbing other fridge aromas. Give it a good stir before reheating, as the pasta tends to absorb liquid overnight.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, making it a perfect candidate for batch cooking. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that pasta can soften further during freezing, so you may want to undercook it slightly if you plan to freeze.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it. The ricotta can be stirred back in fresh after heating or left to melt in the pot for a creamier texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely! While campanelle is perfect for catching the sauce, you can substitute with small pasta shapes like orecchiette, mini rigatoni, or even broken lasagna noodles. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly.

Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.

Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat?

Definitely. In fact, like many soups, Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together. Just reheat gently and add fresh ricotta when serving.

What can I do if I want the soup spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker when combining tomatoes and stock, or finish the soup with a dash of hot sauce or spicy sausage to give it a nice kick without overpowering the classic flavors.

Can I substitute ricotta cheese with something else?

If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese works as a creamier, lighter alternative. You can also try dollops of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to add that creamy tang which balances the tomato base nicely.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup is one of those magical recipes that comforts the soul, satisfies big cravings, and simplifies dinner planning all at once. It’s effortlessly delicious, cozy, and perfect for any season when you want the rich flavors of lasagna in a ready-to-eat bowl. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight meal that you’ll return to again and again!

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