Ever have one of those evenings where you’re craving something hearty and comforting, but the thought of spending hours in the kitchen just isn’t happening? I’ve been there more times than I can count, especially during busy weeks. That’s when I turn to my slow cooker for a lifesaver meal like this Crock Pot 10-Minute Lasagna Soup – Easy Dump-and-Go. It gives you all the cozy, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort, and the aroma that fills your home as it simmers is absolutely irresistible. If you love effortless comfort meals, you should also try our Crockpot Lasagna Soup – Effortless Comfort in One Bowl.
What I love about this dish is how forgiving it is. Whether you’re new to using a crockpot or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. You simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it until dinner time. The result is a rich, savory soup with tender pasta, melted cheese, and robust flavors that everyone at my table adores. It’s become a staple in my household for good reason—it’s reliable, delicious, and perfect for those nights when you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Category: Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I’m gathering items for this recipe, I often think about budget-friendly swaps. For instance, if ground turkey is on sale, I’ll use that instead of beef—it works beautifully and lightens things up a bit. Don’t stress if you don’t have every single ingredient; the beauty of this soup is its flexibility. Just aim for fresh herbs if possible, as they really elevate the final taste.
You’ll need a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably. A good set of measuring cups and spoons, a skillet for browning meat if you prefer, and a ladle for serving will make the process smooth. I also keep some grated Parmesan and extra mozzarella on hand for topping, because who doesn’t love extra cheese?
INGREDIENTS
Getting everything ready before I start is my little ritual—it saves so much time and avoids mid-prep panic. I line up the ingredients on my counter, and the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and herbs always make me smile. It’s a simple step, but it turns cooking into a relaxing experience rather than a rushed one.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
If you’re new to slow cooker meals, here’s a tip: resist the urge to open the lid during cooking. I learned this the hard way early on—each peek adds about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time because heat escapes. Trust the process; the slow cooker is designed to work its magic without much interference, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked pasta and melded flavors. For another comforting dish that’s just as easy to prepare, check out our Ultimate Ground Beef & Potato Casserole – Comfort in a Dish.
- If browning the meat, cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the meat, onion, garlic, marinara sauce, broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue cooking until noodles are tender.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese and fresh basil if desired.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 980mg
Expert Tips for the Best Results
One thing I’ve learned from making this repeatedly is that the type of pasta matters. Using regular lasagna noodles gives that authentic texture, but if you’re short on time, you can substitute with mafalda or campanelle—they hold up well and cook evenly. Also, if you prefer a thicker soup, let it sit with the lid off for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking; it’ll reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This soup stores wonderfully, making it great for meal prep. Cool it completely before transferring to airtight containers; it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as the pasta tends to absorb liquid over time. I usually warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming. You can also microwave it in intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. If you’re looking for another rich and flavorful soup option, don’t miss our Cheesy Chicken Potato Soup – Rich & Flavorful.
Crock Pot 10-Minute Lasagna Soup – Easy Dump-and-Go Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Crock Pot 10-Minute Lasagna Soup – Easy Dump-and-Go Recipe!
Nutrition Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this Crock Pot 10-Minute Lasagna Soup – Easy Dump-and-Go ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base up to a day in advance—just hold off on adding the noodles and cheese until you’re ready to cook. Store the mixture in the fridge, then add everything to the slow cooker when you start it. This makes morning prep a breeze.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
No problem! Substitute with other sturdy pasta like rotini or penne. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as smaller shapes may cook faster. Check for doneness about 20 minutes after adding them to avoid mushy results.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze the cooled soup in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Note that the pasta may soften a bit more upon thawing, but the taste remains delicious.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot 10-Minute Lasagna Soup – Easy Dump-and-Go is a game-changer for busy days, offering all the comfort of classic lasagna with minimal fuss. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too, bringing warm, satisfying meals to your table with ease. Give it a try and share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!
