This comforting crockpot lasagna soup is an easy and hearty meal! It combines tasty ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness, all without the gluten.
Your kitchen will smell amazing while it cooks, and it’s super simple—just throw everything in and let it simmer. I love to top it with extra cheese and fresh herbs for a fun touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: You can choose either ground beef for heartiness or Italian sausage for extra flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work well too.
Gluten-Free Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles can be substituted with gluten-free ones. If they’re hard to find, consider using other gluten-free pasta like penne or fusilli cut into smaller pieces.
Cheeses: I love adding ricotta for creaminess and mozzarella for that melty texture. For a dairy-free version, look for plant-based cheeses or use tofu blended with a bit of nutritional yeast. Parmesan adds that salty kick, but you can skip it or use a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Lasagna Soup?
Flavor is key in this dish, so make sure to take your time when browning the meat and onions. The brown bits that form on the pan add depth. You can also let the soup simmer longer to let the flavors blend beautifully.
- Brown meat with onions in a skillet first for deeper flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking time; it really makes a difference!
- Add herbs early in the cooking process, but save a bit for garnish to boost freshness when serving.
Enjoy your soup with plenty of fresh basil and a sprinkle of cheese on top for that finishing touch!
Crockpot Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups gluten-free beef broth
- 1 (25 oz) jar gluten-free marinara sauce or tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz gluten-free lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious lasagna soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare and 5 to 6 hours to cook on low in the crockpot, or 3 to 4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a cozy day at home, letting your crockpot do all the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Onions:
Start by placing a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, along with the chopped onion. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your soup from being greasy.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to your skillet and cook for another minute. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell it—yum!
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Carefully transfer the beef and onion mixture to your crockpot. This is where all the magic will happen!
4. Combine the Ingredients:
Now, add the gluten-free beef broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with the juice), dried basil, and oregano. If you like a bit of heat, this is the time to add the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and then give it a good stir to mix everything together.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows all the flavors to blend beautifully!
6. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, break the gluten-free lasagna noodles into little pieces and add them to the crockpot. Gently stir to incorporate them into the soup.
7. Finish Cooking:
Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes on high, or until the noodles are tender. The smell will be amazing by now!
8. Stir in the Cheese:
Turn off the crockpot, and mix in the ricotta cheese for a creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
9. Serve:
Ladle the delicious lasagna soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves.
10. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, hearty gluten-free lasagna soup. Perfect for a chilly day or anytime you want a cozy meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef and Italian sausage are classic choices, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the crockpot!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to leave out the noodles if you plan to freeze it, as they can become mushy upon reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the ground meat with your favorite plant-based protein or omit it entirely. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and ensure all the sauces and added ingredients are gluten-free and vegetarian!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the mixture for extra flavor and nutrients. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly in the crockpot.