Ever have one of those evenings where you crave something comforting but dread the thought of spending hours in the kitchen? I was in that exact spot last month, staring into my fridge with zero inspiration. That’s when I decided to experiment with a few pantry staples and my trusty slow cooker. What emerged was this incredibly simple yet satisfying Crock Pot Dump Lasagna Soup – Quick 10-Minute Prep that has since become a regular in my meal rotation, alongside other easy favorites like our zesty lemon-herb shrimp scampi.
You’ll find that this dish brings all the cozy, layered flavors of traditional lasagna without any of the fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or anytime you need a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is—you can adapt it based on what you have on hand, and it still turns out wonderfully every single time.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Category: Hearty Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6-8
What You’ll Need
When I first started making slow cooker meals, I’d often find myself missing one crucial tool mid-recipe. From experience, having these basics ready makes the process so much smoother. A good cutting board and chef’s knife will handle your vegetable prep, while a wooden spoon helps with stirring without scratching your slow cooker’s surface. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy—though this recipe is quite forgiving if you eyeball measurements.
INGREDIENTS
I remember the first time I made this—I accidentally used hot Italian sausage instead of mild, and my family still raved about the extra kick. That’s when I realized how adaptable this recipe truly is. The ingredients work together beautifully, with each component bringing its own special quality to create that classic lasagna flavor profile we all love.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot based on preference)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
If you’re new to slow cooker cooking, here’s some encouragement: this method is very forgiving. The key is not to overthink it. I’ve found that even when I’ve been distracted and left it cooking a bit longer than planned, the results remain delicious. The slow, even heat works its magic, melding all the flavors together into something truly special, much like our pumpkin butter cheesecake cookies that blend flavors perfectly.
Crock Pot Dump Lasagna Soup – Quick 10-Minute Prep Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Crock Pot Dump Lasagna Soup – Quick 10-Minute Prep Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
- Combine everything except cheeses in your slow cooker: sausage, onion, garlic, marinara sauce, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and broken lasagna noodles.
- Stir well to ensure noodles are submerged in liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until noodles are tender.
- Prepare cheese mixture by combining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a small bowl.
- Serve hot with a dollop of cheese mixture on top and fresh basil if desired.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Customization Ideas
What makes this recipe so wonderful is how easily you can adapt it to different dietary needs or preferences. Around here, we sometimes swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles when we want something lighter. You can also add chopped spinach or zucchini during the last hour of cooking for extra vegetables. If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a half cup of heavy cream during the final thirty minutes.
Making Ahead and Storage
This hearty soup recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. I often make a double batch on Sunday to have ready for busy weeknights. It stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it without the cheese mixture for up to three months. When ready to serve, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Perfect Pairings
While this crockpot lasagna soup is substantial enough to stand alone, I love serving it with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. The fresh, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, comforting soup. If you’re feeding a crowd, these additions make the meal feel more special without adding much extra work to your preparation time. For dessert, try our hearty oatmeal carrot cake to round out the meal perfectly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While traditional lasagna noodles give that authentic texture, I’ve successfully used mafalda, campanelle, or even rotini when that’s what I had available. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with different pasta shapes.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe adapts beautifully to vegetarian diets. Simply replace the Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives or add an extra can of beans for protein. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you’ll still get that wonderful lasagna flavor profile.
My slow cooker runs hot—should I adjust the cooking time?
Many modern slow cookers do run hotter than older models. If you’ve noticed your appliance tends to cook quickly, I’d recommend checking the dish after three hours on low or ninety minutes on high. The noodles should be tender but still hold their shape when done.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Dump Lasagna Soup – Quick 10-Minute Prep has genuinely transformed how I approach busy weeknights. It delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna with minimal effort, making it perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners alike. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. For more easy crockpot dinners and hearty soup recipes, explore our slow cooker collection.
