This Slow Cooker Creamy Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with pasta, ground meat, and rich tomato sauce, it’s like lasagna but way easier.
Who doesn’t love a meal that cooks itself while you relax? I can’t resist topping mine with a sprinkle of cheese—because, let’s face it, more cheese is always a good idea!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Meat: Ground beef is great for this soup and gives it a hearty flavor. If you prefer something lighter, ground turkey or Italian sausage works really well, too. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or mushrooms instead.
Broth: Beef broth adds a rich taste, but chicken broth or vegetable broth is perfect for a lighter version. Homemade broth is fantastic if you have it on hand, as it enhances the flavor!
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: I love using no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience. If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles can be used; just cook them separately to avoid overcooking in the soup.
Cheeses: Cream cheese gives a lovely richness, but if you want a lighter version, consider using cottage cheese. For the mozzarella and Parmesan, feel free to swap with any melty cheese you enjoy, like provolone or gouda.
Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a fresh taste, but dried herbs are fine too. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use a mix of oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
How Do You Make Your Soup Creamy Without Clumps?
A creamy texture in this soup is all about how you add the cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened before mixing it in, so it blends easily. Here’s how to do it:
- Remove the soup from the heat before adding cream cheese to avoid clumping.
- Cut the cream cheese into small pieces to help it melt evenly.
- Stir it into the soup gently until it’s fully dissolved. Don’t rush, take your time!
Once it’s blended, the soup will be smooth and creamy, just the way we like it!
Slow Cooker Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Sour cream or ricotta, for dolloping (optional)
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 5-6 hours of cooking on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. Don’t forget to add the pasta about 30 minutes before serving, and it will be ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything until the meat is browned, and the onion becomes translucent. Once done, drain any excess fat from the pan.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker:
Now, transfer your cooked meat mixture into the slow cooker. Add in the broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir it all together until well combined.
3. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on LOW for about 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you have.
4. Add Pasta:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, break the no-boil lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. Add them into the soup, stirring gently. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. Make Soup Creamy:
Next, it’s time to make the soup creamy! Stir in the softened cream cheese until it blends smoothly into the soup, giving it that luscious texture everyone loves.
6. Add Cheese:
Finally, sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until they melt and are fully combined with the soup. Yum!
7. Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and, if you’d like, add a dollop of sour cream or ricotta on top. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color!
8. Accompany:
Serve your creamy lasagna soup with some crusty bread on the side—you’ll want something to soak up all that delicious broth!
This hearty, creamy lasagna soup is perfect for a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavors of traditional lasagna, all in a cozy bowl of soup!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Noodles?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat lasagna noodles for a healthier option or gluten-free noodles if you need to avoid gluten. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions for best results.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef or sausage with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use vegetable broth in place of beef or chicken broth to keep the flavors rich and satisfying.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
