Crockpot Lasagna Cozy Bowl

This crockpot lasagna soup brings all the warm, comforting flavors of classic lasagna into a cozy, easytomake bowl. Perfect for chilly days when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe lets your slow cooker do the hard work while you go about your day. The combination of browned ground beef, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles creates a satisfying meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.

I first made this on a blustery fall afternoon and it instantly became a family favorite. Now whenever the temperatures drop, everyone asks for this soup because it fills the house with cozy, irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: which gives the soup a rich, hearty base 8515 beef is a great balance of flavor and fat, and draining excess fat keeps it from feeling greasy
• Italian seasoning: brings the essential herb notes of oregano, basil, and thyme that make it taste like classic lasagna
• Salt and pepper: used to season and deepen every component—don’t skimp on these
• Diced onion: provides a natural sweetness and depth once softened, ensuring the soup never tastes flat or onedimensional
• Minced garlic: adds that warm, aromatic quality that layers flavor beautifully
• Beef broth: forms the soup’s base and adds richness pick a good quality broth or stock for the best taste
• Jarred pasta sauce: saves time and adds robust tomato flavor Rao’s Tomato Basil is my go to but use your favorite brand
• Tomato paste: boosts umami and thickness to the broth for that comforting body
• Broken lasagna noodles: give the dish its recognizable texture and taste without the fuss of layering sheets
• Ricotta cheese: for topping brings creaminess and that authentic lasagna finish
• Freshly shredded mozzarella: melts into gooey perfection, creating those indulgent cheesy strands
• Freshly grated parmesan: adds a salty, nutty edge that rounds out the flavors perfectly
• Chopped parsley or basil: for garnish brightens up the presentation and adds a fresh herbal pop when serving

Instructions

Brown the beef:

Start by heating a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the ground beef and use a spoon or spatula to break it into small pieces. Season with about 1 and a half teaspoons of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Brown the beef until it is nicely colored and only slightly pink remains. If there is an excess of fat released, drain it off carefully.

Cook aromatics:

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic directly to the skillet. Continue cooking and stirring for several minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This step is important for building a sweet, mellow flavor base in the soup. Once the aromatics are ready, transfer the entire mixture into your slow cooker.

Combine in slow cooker:

Pour the beef broth, jarred pasta sauce, tomato paste, and the remaining Italian seasoning into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.

Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for between 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Because the beef is already browned, you don't need to cook it too long. It’s fine to leave it on low for up to 6 hours if that works better for your schedule.

Add pasta:

When the soup is fully cooked and bubbling with flavor, break the lasagna noodles into small, bite sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Cover again and cook for about 30 minutes more, until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape.

Serve:

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese on top followed by some shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the cheese as a bright, fresh garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

I love the way the Italian seasoning brings all those familiar herb flavors that remind me instantly of lasagna night at home. One of my fondest memories with this dish is making it for a busy weeknight after a long day, and having everyone gather around the table eager for their serving.

Storage Tips

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be aware that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid over time. When reheating, stir in a little extra beef broth to refresh the texture and loosen the soup back up.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ground beef on hand, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can all be used instead. You can even mix proteins like half beef and half sausage for extra flavor complexity. If jarred pasta sauce isn’t available try a canned diced tomato with juice and add extra seasoning to boost the flavor. For broth, chicken stock works well too if that is your preference or what you have stocked.

Serving Suggestions

This is a filling one pot meal but pairs wonderfully with garlic bread to soak up every last drop of broth. Crispy breadsticks or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli or zucchini are easy to add on the side to round out the meal.

This crockpot lasagna soup is an easy, comforting weeknight meal that tastes like lasagna in a bowl. Top each serving with ricotta and plenty of melted mozzarella for the best results.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I prevent noodles from getting mushy?

Adding broken lasagna noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking helps keep them tender but intact, avoiding overcooking and mushiness.

→ Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well and add different flavor profiles to this dish.

→ What can I use if I don't have jarred pasta sauce?

A 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with liquid is a good alternative; just adjust seasoning for balance.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Let the dish cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore texture.

→ Which herbs complement this dish best?

Italian seasoning including oregano, basil, and thyme enhances flavor; fresh parsley or basil added at the end brightens the meal.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.