Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup: Amazing 1-Pot Meal

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Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup has completely changed my weeknight dinners. I used to dread making lasagna because of the time and effort, but this recipe is a game-changer! Imagine all those rich, savory flavors of classic lasagna, but in a comforting, hearty soup that practically makes itself. It’s the perfect easy slow cooker lasagna soup for those busy evenings when you want something delicious without all the fuss. The aroma that fills the house as it simmers is just incredible. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly satisfying soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly simple to whip up!

It delivers all the beloved flavors of lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-eat soup.
This is a true crock pot lasagna soup, meaning minimal hands-on time for maximum flavor.
You get a hearty, filling meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
The aroma alone as it cooks will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.
It’s a fantastic one pot lasagna soup, simplifying cleanup significantly.
You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or a different type of meat.
It’s incredibly forgiving, making it a great recipe for beginners.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to an amazing bowl of comfort. This recipe creates a rich and hearty beef lasagna soup slow cooker meal that’s so easy!

1 pound lean ground beef – for that classic savory base
1 cup green pepper, chopped – adds a fresh, crisp element
1 medium onion, chopped – essential for depth of flavor
3 cloves garlic cloves, minced – brings that aromatic punch
28 ounce canned diced tomatoes, undrained – the tomatoey foundation of our soup
4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth – creates a flavorful liquid base
15 ounce tomato sauce – for extra tomato goodness
1 cup frozen corn – a touch of sweetness and texture
2 tablespoons tomato paste – concentrates the tomato flavor beautifully
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – the signature herb blend
1 teaspoon pepper – to taste
8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta – the fun, lasagna-like pasta shape
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – for a cheesy finish

How to Make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Start by browning the 1 pound lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s all nicely browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Add the chopped 1 cup green pepper and 1 medium onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the minced 3 cloves garlic cloves and sauté for just about 1 minute more until you can smell that wonderful garlic aroma. This step really wakes up the flavors.
Step 4: Transfer this delicious mixture of beef and vegetables into your slow cooker.
Step 5: Now, add the rest of the liquid ingredients and seasonings. Stir in the 28 ounce canned diced tomatoes (undrained), 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth, 15 ounce tomato sauce, 1 cup frozen corn, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
Step 6: Add the 8 ounces uncooked spiral pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir it in, then cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4 hours or on high for 2 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender. This is where the magic of a creamy lasagna soup slow cooker really happens!
Step 7: Once the pasta is perfectly tender, ladle the hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese. If you’re making a sausage lasagna soup crock pot variation, you’d follow these same steps but substitute sausage for beef. Enjoy your hearty meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Want to elevate your soup game? These little tricks ensure your slow cooker lasagna soup is always a hit:

Don’t skip browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics (onion, pepper, garlic). This builds a crucial flavor base that low-and-slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
Use a good quality beef broth; it makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your soup.
Add the pasta in the last hour or two of cooking. This prevents it from getting mushy and absorbing too much liquid, ensuring a better texture.
If you find your soup a bit too thick, you can always stir in a little extra broth or water when serving.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

The real secret is building layers of flavor before it even hits the slow cooker! Browning the meat and sautéing the veggies first develops a depth that makes this a truly outstanding one pot lasagna soup.

Can I make Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prep all the ingredients, including browning the meat and chopping the veggies, up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and then combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup?

A common pitfall is adding the pasta too early, which makes it mushy. To avoid this, add the pasta during the last hour of cooking. Also, be careful not to overfill your slow cooker, as this can lead to uneven cooking. For more tips on slow cooking, check out this guide to using a slow cooker.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Once your delicious soup is ready, you’ll want to serve it up right! This hearty soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions to make it even more special. For a satisfying meal, think about serving it with a side of crusty garlic bread – perfect for dipping into that rich broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also offers a refreshing contrast to the soup’s warmth.

If you’re looking for a lighter option or want to cater to different dietary needs, consider serving it alongside some gluten-free breadsticks. And for those who love a plant-based option, pairing your vegetarian lasagna soup slow cooker (if you’ve made that variation!) with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus is a fantastic choice. You might also enjoy this best zucchini bread recipe as a side.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

This hearty soup is incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 5 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sodium: 750 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

This delicious soup is fantastic for meal prep, making it super convenient to have a hearty meal ready to go. Once your slow cooker lasagna soup has finished cooking, let it cool down slightly on the counter for about an hour before storing. For immediate storage, portion the cooled soup into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect grab-and-go lunch option.

If you want to keep this easy slow cooker lasagna soup for longer, freezing is your best bet. I recommend storing it without the pasta if you plan to freeze it, as pasta can sometimes get a bit soft upon reheating. Place the soup in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze it without pasta, add your cooked pasta during the last few minutes of reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Can I make this a gluten-free slow cooker lasagna soup?

Absolutely! To create a delicious gluten-free slow cooker lasagna soup, simply swap out the standard spiral pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or corn-based pasta works wonderfully and holds up well in the slow cooker. Ensure all other ingredients, like broth and seasonings, are also certified gluten-free.

What kind of pasta works best in slow cooker lasagna soup?

I’ve found that spiral pasta, like rotini or fusilli, is fantastic because it catches all the delicious bits of meat and vegetables. However, any small, sturdy pasta shape that cooks relatively quickly will work. Just remember to add it in the last hour of cooking to prevent it from getting too soft! You can find more pasta tips in this guide to pasta shapes.

Why is my slow cooker lasagna soup watery?

A common reason for watery soup is adding too much liquid or not enough thickening agents. If your soup seems too thin, try adding a bit more tomato paste or a slurry of cornstarch and water in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also just let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I add different vegetables to this slow cooker lasagna soup?

Definitely! This recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or spinach. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as the onion and pepper so they cook evenly. Spinach can be added in the last 30 minutes.

Variations of Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup You Can Try

While this recipe is already a winner, you can totally tweak it to fit your tastes or needs! It’s so versatile, and I love experimenting with different additions. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Creamy Lasagna Soup Slow Cooker: For a richer, more decadent experience, stir in about half a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This creates a wonderfully creamy lasagna soup slow cooker that feels extra special.
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning, or stir in some diced jalapeños with the onions and peppers.
Vegetarian Delight: Skip the beef and sauté your veggies with some plant-based ground crumble or add hearty mushrooms and extra zucchini. This makes for a fantastic vegetarian lasagna soup slow cooker option.
Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb meal, simply omit the pasta and add extra vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets in the last hour of cooking.