Crockpot Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese

Hearty, Cheesy, & So Simple: Crockpot Lasagna Soup With Cottage Cheese You’ll Make on Repeat

There’s something deeply comforting about the aroma of slow-cooked lasagna filling your kitchen — especially when it comes with zero layers to fuss over. As a food writer who spends hours in the kitchen and even more behind a keyboard, I’ve learned to truly appreciate recipes that blend cozy comfort with real-world convenience. This easy crockpot lasagna soup cottage cheese recipe is one of those magical dishes that checks every box — and then some.

It’s creamy, hearty, packed with beef, and offers a healthier spin on a classic by using cottage cheese instead of heavier options like cream or layers of full-fat cheese. Whether you’re chasing warmth on a chilly fall night or just looking for a fuss-free slow cooker meal, this soup is sure to become a weeknight regular.

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Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

I first made this soup on a rainy Sunday afternoon when I was craving lasagna but didn’t want to layer noodles or babysit a bubbling oven tray. With just one pot and a few staple ingredients, this homemade crockpot version of lasagna soup came to life — and honestly, I haven’t stopped making it since. It’s now one of my favorite fall dinner ideas, and I’ll be making it all through winter too.

The combination of tender beef, tomato-rich broth, soft noodles, and that surprise creamy touch of cottage cheese creates a flavor that’s just downright damn delicious. And unlike traditional lasagna, this dish is lighter, easier to digest, and super customizable if you want to make it more healthy or vegetarian.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Exact Measurements)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best crockpot lasagna soup — simple, hearty, and full of flavor:

Protein & Aromatics:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Sauces:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup jarred Alfredo sauce
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta:

• 8 oz broken lasagna noodles or rotini pasta

Cheese & Creaminess:

• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (optional, for added richness)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra parmesan (because why not?)

How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step)

1. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and minced garlic until fully cooked and the onions are translucent. Drain excess fat.

2. Load the Crockpot

Add the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Alfredo sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

3. Cook It Low & Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

4. Add the Pasta

About 30–40 minutes before serving, stir in your pasta. Let it cook in the soup until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Stir in the Cheeses

When the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to warm and stir in cottage cheese, ricotta (if using), and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir gently until melted and creamy.

6. Garnish & Serve

Serve hot in bowls. Top with mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh herbs. Pair it with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Soup Ever

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Add it in at the right time so it doesn’t get mushy.
• Want extra creamy? Stir in a little extra Alfredo or a dollop of ricotta at serving.
• Make it healthier: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
• Love spice? Add extra chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef.

Amazon Kitchen Favorites I Swear By

Here are a few products I genuinely love and use when making this recipe — they’ve made my kitchen time easier, cleaner, and more efficient.

1. Crock-Pot 7-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

I’ve used many slow cookers over the years, but this one is my go-to. The digital timer is a lifesaver when you're multitasking, and the 7-quart capacity is ideal for soups like this — especially when feeding a family or prepping meals for the week.

Why I recommend it:

• Easy to program and clean
• Large enough for hearty dishes
• Budget-friendly and reliable

Try it here: Check it on Amazon

2. Oxo Good Grips Ground Meat Chopper

If you brown ground beef often (and who doesn’t?), this tool is a game-changer. It quickly breaks meat into tiny pieces — no more chasing chunks around the pan with a wooden spoon.

Why I recommend it:

• Ergonomic handle
• Dishwasher safe
• Makes ground beef perfectly crumbly

Grab yours here: Shop on Amazon

3. Pyrex Mixing Bowl Set with Lids

Perfect for mixing your cottage cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella before stirring them into the soup. Plus, they double as leftover containers — no need to transfer.

Why I recommend it:

• Durable glass won’t stain
• Comes with lids for easy fridge storage
• Versatile and stackable

Get it here: View on Amazon

What to Serve With Crockpot Lasagna Soup

This dish is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but here are a few pairing ideas:

• Garlic Bread: The best for dipping into that cheesy, tomato-rich broth.
• Caesar Salad: The crisp freshness balances the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Veggies: Try zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

This soup is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Freezing:

• If planning to freeze, leave out the pasta and dairy — they can be added fresh when reheating.
• Freeze up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Recipe Variations to Try

If you’re like me, you’ll want to play around with this soup. Here are a few fun spins:

• Vegetarian: Use lentils, mushrooms, or meatless crumbles instead of beef.
• Spicy Kick: Swap Alfredo for a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
• Low-Carb: Skip the noodles and use chopped zucchini or riced cauliflower instead.
• Extra-Cheesy: Use all three — cottage cheese, ricotta, and parmesan in generous amounts.

My Final Thoughts

As someone who lives and breathes classic food and cozy comfort meals, this crockpot lasagna soup holds a special place in my personal recipe box. It’s the kind of dish you pull out when you want damn delicious comfort without the layers and labor of a traditional lasagna.

Whether you’re prepping for fall dinner ideas, feeding your family on a busy weeknight, or meal-prepping for cold winter lunches — this is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out. And that final stir of cottage cheese? It just seals the deal.

Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be making this one on repeat.