Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

updated Jan 29, 2020
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

This easy slow cooker lasagna soup is everything you love about the classic Italian casserole, but it's so much easier to make.

Serves6 to 8

Prep10 minutes

Cook4 hours to 8 hours

Jump to Recipe
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Post Image
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

I’ve never met a lasagna I didn’t love. Yes, there’s something about the way it’s assembled — with the rich sauce, melty cheese, and juicy bits of browned meat blanketing the noodles — but what really makes it stand out is how the ingredients come together for a warm, comforting meal. And that’s exactly what you can expect when you tuck into a bowl of this lasagna-inspired soup. It’s everything you love about the classic casserole, packaged in a cozy new way.

The Easiest Lasagna Soup Starts with a Jar of Marinara

Yes, that’s right! A jar of your favorite marinara sauce and a few cups of broth are what make up the base of this soup. It’s a little untraditional, but trust me on this one.

For the best lasagna soup, a jar of marinara beats out a can of chopped tomatoes because of the flavor and texture it delivers. Since a lot of marinara sauces are infused with herbs, spices, and roasted garlic, they come packed with a whole lot more flavor than a can of tomatoes. And then there’s the thicker consistency, which makes for an irresistibly velvety broth. Of course, you can always make your own marinara, but it’s hard to beat the convenience of store-bought — especially when your priority is a super-easy dinner.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

This easy slow cooker lasagna soup is everything you love about the classic Italian casserole, but it's so much easier to make.

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook time 4 hours to 8 hours

Serves 6 to 8

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

For the soup:

  • 1 pound

    lean ground beef

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 cups

    low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar

    marinara sauce

  • 1

    small onion, diced

  • 2

    cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons

    Italian seasoning

  • 1

    Parmesan cheese rind (optional)

  • 8 ounces

    dried lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces (8 to 10 sheets)

For serving:

  • 1 cup

    shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup

    ricotta cheese

  • Torn fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Place the beef, salt, and pepper in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Use a wooden spoon to gently break up the meat. Add the broth, marinara sauce, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan rind, if using. Stir well to combine.

  2. Cover and cook on the HIGH setting for 4 to 5 hours or on the LOW setting for 7 to 8 hours. Stir in the noodles. Cover, set to LOW, and cook until the noodles are tender, 25 to 35 minutes.

  3. Remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the mozzarella, ricotta, and basil. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

(Image credit: The Kitchn)