Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce (Easy & Cheesy)

The Ultimate Comfort Food in a Bowl

If your idea of comfort food involves melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta, then get ready to fall in love with Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce. This slow cooker sensation brings all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, spoonable soup—without the fuss of layering noodles or turning on the oven.

Perfect for chilly evenings, cozy gatherings, or meal prep Sundays, this recipe is a weeknight dinner hero you’ll make on repeat. And the best part? It uses just a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker to deliver major payoff with minimal hands-on time.

Whether you’re looking for a simple crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce, a version with creamy ricotta cheese, or the best crockpot lasagna soup for meal prepping and freezer stocking, this recipe has you covered.

Let’s break down why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your cold-weather rotation—and exactly how to make it creamy, rich, and flavor-packed every time.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce

When the air turns crisp and cozy meals call your name, there’s nothing quite like Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce to satisfy every comfort food craving. This dish delivers all the hearty, cheesy, meaty joy of traditional lasagna—without the fuss of layering, baking, and waiting. It’s everything you love about lasagna, slow-cooked into a soul-warming soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Effortless Cooking with Flavor-Packed Results

This simple crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce is a dream for anyone who wants big Italian flavor with little hands-on time. Just brown your beef, toss in the ingredients, and let your slow cooker do all the work. By dinner, you’re greeted with a rich, savory aroma and a bowlful of slow-simmered magic.

Using a high-quality marinara sauce transforms this soup from good to unforgettable. The tangy tomatoes, blended with garlic and herbs, meld beautifully with tender ground beef, al dente noodles, creamy ricotta, and baby spinach for balance. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent—but takes minimal effort.

Perfect for Families, Meal Preppers & Comfort Food Fans

This isn’t just the best crockpot lasagna soup for flavor—it’s ideal for all kinds of households:

• Busy families: Kids love the cheesy pasta and bold flavor.
• Meal preppers: Make once, eat twice (or freeze for later).
• Holiday hosts: Serve this up as a cozy starter or casual crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re feeding two or ten, this soup scales up beautifully and reheats like a dream. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but also pairs well with garlic knots, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.

Looking for more comforting soups for fall and winter? Try our Butternut Squash and Sausage Tortellini Soup next—it’s a creamy, cozy winner for chilly nights.

Big Lasagna Flavor, No Fuss

Unlike traditional lasagna—which can be messy, time-consuming, and oven-dependent—crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta delivers the same satisfying depth of flavor in a single pot. There’s no pasta pre-boiling, no layering, and definitely no babysitting the oven.

Just slow-simmered, hands-off cooking that lets your ingredients develop a richness you’d expect from a dish that took hours to build. That’s the beauty of this modern comfort classic.

A Dish for All Seasons

While it’s especially magical in fall and winter, this lasagna soup is truly year-round worthy. It’s light enough to enjoy on a spring evening, filling enough to be a winter mainstay, and flexible enough to adjust with seasonal vegetables or pantry staples.

With its foolproof method, easy crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce fits into your life—whether you’re cooking for one, meal prepping for the week, or feeding a hungry holiday crowd.

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Ingredient Breakdown & Why They Matter

Understanding each component in this crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce helps you get the most flavor out of every spoonful. Here’s a look at the essential ingredients and why each one plays a critical role in crafting a comforting, creamy, and well-balanced soup.

Ground Beef: Hearty, Savory Foundation

Lean ground beef adds richness, depth, and that classic lasagna flavor we all know and love. Browning it first ensures you lock in flavor while keeping the soup’s base from becoming greasy. You could swap it with Italian sausage for a more robust twist or use ground turkey for a lighter touch.

Marinara Sauce: The Heart of Flavor

Using a good-quality marinara sauce is key — this is the foundation of your soup’s flavor. Whether you go for a jarred classic or a homemade version, choose something with robust tomato flavor and herbs. A smooth, slightly sweet marinara balances beautifully with savory meat and creamy cheese.

Love tomato-forward dishes? Try our Vegetarian Pumpkin Chili Recipe for another cozy bowl of goodness.

Broth + Tomato Paste: For Depth and Simmering Power

A quart of low-sodium beef broth rounds out the soup, giving it a smooth consistency and allowing the flavors to meld over time in the slow cooker. Tomato paste boosts the umami and tomato richness, creating that classic lasagna sauce profile.

Ricotta & Parmesan: Creamy, Cheesy Perfection

Here’s what elevates this from just another soup — the luscious swirl of ricotta mixed with parmesan cheese. Stirred into the soup or dolloped on top, it melts into velvety pockets of creaminess that mimic a lasagna’s cheesy layers.

Whether you’re making a crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta or going all out with ricotta cheese and heavy cream, this duo is essential.

Spinach: A Pop of Freshness

Adding baby spinach at the end of the cooking process lends color, nutrition, and a subtle earthy flavor. It balances the richness of the meat and cheese and adds a fresh, healthy element without overpowering.

Lasagna Noodles: Rustic Texture, Real Lasagna Feel

Break your noodles into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the crockpot raw. No need to boil beforehand — they soak up all the flavor as they cook, becoming tender yet toothsome. That’s the beauty of a crockpot lasagna soup with heavy cream or marinara — rustic, easy, and deeply flavorful.

Olive Oil & Seasonings: The Flavor Makers

A simple seasoning blend of garlic powder, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and black pepper gives you the signature Italian aroma and savory notes. Don’t skip the olive oil — it helps carry the flavors and adds richness right from the first sauté.

Pro Tip: Since there are so few ingredients, quality matters. Use a marinara sauce you love off the spoon, and opt for freshly grated parmesan — it melts better and delivers unbeatable flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions (with Slow Cooker Tips)

Crafting this easy crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce is a breeze. With just a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker transforms basic ingredients into a rich, satisfying soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef, breaking it apart into small crumbles as it cooks.

Season the beef with:

• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1¼ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor before transferring it to your crockpot.

Why Brown the Beef First?
Browning adds a rich depth of flavor that simmering alone can’t achieve — a crucial element in the best crockpot lasagna soup recipes.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base in the Crockpot

Transfer the browned beef into your 6-quart slow cooker. Add the following:

• 1 quart low sodium beef broth
• 24 oz (about 3 cups) marinara sauce — use a high-quality or homemade one!
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

Stir everything together to combine into a hearty base. This mixture will slowly transform into a deeply savory soup as it simmers.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

Cover and cook:

• On High for 3–4 hours
• Or on Low for 4–5 hours

You’re aiming for a strong simmer — the edges of your soup should bubble. This ensures the noodles will cook evenly later on.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step. A well-developed base means better flavor in every spoonful of your crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta.

Step 4: Add Lasagna Noodles

Once your soup is simmering, break 8–9 dry lasagna noodles into 4–5 pieces each. Add them to the crockpot and stir to submerge.

Cook on high for another 15–30 minutes, checking after 15. Cook times may vary based on your slow cooker.

Can you put raw noodles in a slow cooker?
Yes — that’s the beauty of this recipe! They cook directly in the broth, soaking up all the savory marinara goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Ricotta and Spinach

While the noodles cook, combine:

• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan

Mix until smooth. Once the noodles are tender:

• Stir in ½ the ricotta mixture and 2 cups baby spinach
• Reserve the other half of ricotta for serving

Optional Twist: For extra creaminess, add ½ cup heavy cream at this stage for a luxurious finish. This makes it a crockpot lasagna soup with heavy cream variation.

Step 6: Serve with Style

Ladle soup into bowls and dollop with reserved ricotta mixture. Add a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Related Comfort Food Recipe: For another cozy bowl, try this Leftover Turkey Orzo Soup — great after the holidays!

Customization Ideas: Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup Your Own

One of the best things about Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce is how endlessly customizable it is. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, watching your dairy intake, or just feeling creative, this soup adapts beautifully to your kitchen and lifestyle.

Below are some easy, delicious ways to modify your slow cooker lasagna soup without losing the signature flavor and comfort you crave.

1. Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce and Ricotta Cheese

The classic version of this soup already includes a generous helping of ricotta cheese—but you can take it even further. Stir more ricotta directly into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for a luscious, creamy broth. This variation creates a lasagna-style richness in every spoonful. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of ricotta and sprinkle of fresh basil for extra flair.

2. Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Heavy Cream

Craving an ultra-creamy finish? Add ½ cup of heavy cream right after the pasta is cooked. This luxurious twist makes the broth even more velvety and comforting. It’s a perfect match for cozy nights in, and you can still add your usual ricotta dollop on top.

Tip: Stir in the cream gently to prevent curdling and let it warm through for 5–10 minutes before serving.

3. 5-Ingredient Lasagna Soup (When You’re Short on Time)

Sometimes simple is best. For a 5-ingredient crockpot lasagna soup, focus on the essentials:

• Ground beef (browned)
• Marinara sauce
• Beef broth
• Lasagna noodles
• Ricotta cheese (or mozzarella)

Skip the tomato paste, spinach, and spices if you’re in a rush. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. The result is still packed with Italian flavor and cozy nostalgia.

4. Make It Vegetarian

Substitute the beef for lentils, mushrooms, or your favorite plant-based crumbles to create a vegetarian crockpot lasagna soup. You can even toss in extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for a nutrition boost.

This tweak is great for Meatless Mondays or feeding guests with dietary restrictions—without sacrificing comfort or taste.

5. Add More Flavor Depth

Want to make the best crockpot lasagna soup even better? Try these quick upgrades:

• A splash of red wine with the broth
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat
• A Parmesan rind simmered in the soup for bold umami
• Fresh basil or oregano stirred in before serving

These small enhancements can make a big difference, especially if you’re serving this dish for guests or meal prepping for the week.

Pair it with Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese for the ultimate comfort meal combo!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce

One of the major advantages of Crockpot Lasagna Soup with Marinara Sauce is how well it stores and reheats. Whether you’re meal prepping, saving leftovers, or making a big batch for future cravings, this soup maintains its flavor and texture beautifully—when handled the right way.

Here’s how to get the most out of every bowl:

How to Store Leftovers

Once your crockpot lasagna soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container.

• In the fridge: Store for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

Pro tip: For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Lasagna noodles tend to absorb liquid and break down over time. You can boil fresh pasta and add it upon reheating.

How to Reheat Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Reheating is simple, and the flavor gets even better as it sits—much like traditional lasagna.

Stovetop Method (Best Flavor):

1. Transfer soup to a pot.
2. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
3. Reheat over medium heat until simmering, stirring occasionally.

Microwave Method (Quickest):

1. Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Cover loosely with a lid or paper towel.
3. Heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each round, until hot.

Reheating Frozen Soup:

1. Thaw overnight in the fridge if possible.
2. Reheat using either of the methods above.
3. For soup with no pasta: cook fresh noodles while reheating, then add them in.

Can You Freeze Crockpot Lasagna Soup?

Absolutely. This soup is freezer-friendly if you make one important tweak: leave out the lasagna noodles. Add freshly cooked pasta later for the best texture.

Alternatively, undercook your noodles slightly before freezing if you must include them. This helps prevent them from turning mushy during reheating.

Reheat and Elevate

When you’re ready to serve your leftover crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta, don’t forget the finishing touches:

• Re-dollop with fresh ricotta cheese
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan
• Garnish with fresh basil or cracked black pepper

These small steps revive the comfort and luxury of a freshly made batch—even days later.

Enjoy your leftovers alongside a cozy side like French Onion Hashbrown Casserole for the ultimate comfort combo.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

One of the most charming features of this crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce is its flexibility at the table. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping a cozy family night, or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this dish fits right in. Here’s how to serve and style your bowl for maximum enjoyment.

What to Serve With Crockpot Lasagna Soup

To turn this simple crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce into a complete meal, pair it with one or more of the following:

Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks

The ultimate dipping companion. A crusty edge and melty cheese balance out the creamy ricotta and bold marinara flavors beautifully.

Crisp Green Salad

Balance the hearty soup with a light, tangy salad. Try arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast seasonal veggies like zucchini, Brussels sprouts, or sweet bell peppers. Want something festive? These Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples add sweet-savory depth to the table.

How to Serve for Maximum Comfort

Depending on your occasion, here are some creative ways to plate and serve:

Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Serve big steaming bowls with a generous dollop of ricotta mixture on top and finish with fresh basil or cracked black pepper.

Holiday Gatherings or Potlucks

Transfer the soup to a large crockpot with a ladle and offer small ramekins of toppings: parmesan, chopped parsley, extra ricotta, or even crushed red pepper flakes for spice lovers.

Meal Prep or Leftovers

Portion the easy crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese into airtight containers. It reheats beautifully and thickens over time, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Pro Serving Tips

• Don’t forget fresh herbs – basil, parsley, or thyme all make excellent aromatic toppers.
• Use wide soup bowls to allow room for garnishes and easier dipping with bread.
• Pre-warm your bowls in the oven for a café-style presentation that keeps the soup warm longer.

Creative Variations & Easy Customizations

When you’re working with a dish as versatile as crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce, there’s a world of opportunity to tweak, enhance, or simplify the recipe depending on your dietary needs, pantry availability, or flavor preferences.

Lightened-Up or Vegetarian Swaps

Meatless Monday Approved

Replace ground beef with:

• Brown lentils
• Plant-based ground
• Chopped mushrooms (for umami boost)

Simply sauté them with garlic and seasoning before transferring to your slow cooker. This version of crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce still packs a punch, even without the meat.

Vegan-Friendly Option

Use vegan ricotta or tofu ricotta, skip the parmesan, and double up on the spinach for a plant-powered bowl. For creaminess, use unsweetened almond milk + nutritional yeast in place of cheese.

Add Creaminess with Heavy Cream

Want a rich, indulgent bowl? Add ½ cup of heavy cream at the same time as the ricotta. It melts into the broth, giving your crockpot lasagna soup with heavy cream an ultra-silky texture and comforting depth. Perfect for cozy nights in.

Gluten-Free Crockpot Lasagna Soup

Swap standard lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free lasagna pasta. Cook them separately if your slow cooker tends to break noodles apart, then stir them in just before serving to maintain texture.

Lazy Night? Try 5-Ingredient Lasagna Soup

This version works beautifully for busy weeknights:

1. Ground beef
2. Jarred marinara sauce
3. Beef broth
4. Ricotta cheese
5. Lasagna noodles

Brown the beef, toss everything (except cheese) into the slow cooker, and top each bowl with a ricotta dollop before serving. That’s it. Delicious, hearty, and ready with minimal effort.

Flavor Boost Ideas

• Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Toss in a parmesan rind while the soup simmers for extra umami.
• Try roasted garlic instead of powdered for deeper flavor.

Add More Veggies

Don’t be afraid to bulk up your best crockpot lasagna soup with added veggies like:

• Zucchini or yellow squash (sliced thin)
• Bell peppers (diced)
• Mushrooms
• Shredded carrots
• Kale or extra spinach

These work well with the tomato-based broth and keep your soup hearty but balanced.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Each serving of this easy crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta cheese (makes 6 portions):

• Calories: 437 kcal
• Protein: 37g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Cholesterol: 76mg
• Sodium: 733mg
• Calcium: 352mg
• Iron: 4mg
• Vitamin A: 1831 IU
• Vitamin C: 11mg

This protein-packed soup is surprisingly well-balanced thanks to lean ground beef, nutrient-rich spinach, and creamy ricotta for healthy fats and calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts: Why This Is the Best Crockpot Lasagna Soup

If you’re craving lasagna without the layers and oven time, this crockpot lasagna soup with marinara sauce and ricotta is your answer. It’s a:

• One-pot wonder
• Weeknight dinner hero
• Crowd-pleasing comfort dish
• Easily customizable recipe
• Perfect make-ahead or freezer meal

Plus, by using high-quality marinara sauce and cheese, you elevate this from everyday to extraordinary.

Ready to make this your new fall and winter favorite? Grab your slow cooker, prep your ingredients, and dive into this warm, cheesy, pasta-filled bowl of happiness.