Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup

Imagine the cozy comfort of lasagna, but in a vibrant, easy-to-make soup that practically cooks itself. This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup brings together rich tomato flavors, lean ground turkey, tender lasagna noodles, and creamy ricotta, all simmered to perfection. It’s a wholesome, hearty meal, transforming traditional Italian comfort into an effortless weeknight wonder. Get ready to nourish your body and soul with this beautifully layered dish.

Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup

• Effortless Elegance: This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup simplifies a beloved classic. Just a few minutes of prep, then your slow cooker takes over, leaving you free to enjoy your day.
• Wholesome Goodness: Lean ground turkey, plenty of vegetables, and a hearty broth make this a nutritious meal that feels incredibly indulgent. It’s a smart, vibrant choice for any table.
• Flavor Fusion: Layers of savory turkey, tangy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and creamy cheese dance together, creating a complex yet comforting profile that truly satisfies.
• Anti-Gaspillage Friendly: Perfect for using up lingering pantry staples or garden bounty, this adaptable recipe minimizes food waste while maximizing deliciousnes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting this Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Think vibrant vegetables, lean protein, and aromatic herbs that promise a burst of flavor in every spoonful. Embrace the joy of choosing ingredients that will transform into a truly memorable meal, reflecting a mindful approach to cooking.

• For the Base:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin, for rich flavor)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher for a lighter touch)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (for aromatic depth)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced makes all the difference)
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced (adds a lovely sweetness and color)
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or white, for umami richness)
• For the Sauce & Broth:
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (seek out fire-roasted for extra depth)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (unseasoned is best to control flavor)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth (choose a high-quality broth)
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (or a fresh mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (enhances the Italian classic flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (season generously)
• For the Pasta & Creaminess:
  • 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces (whole wheat option works beautifully)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (for a burst of greens and nutrients)
  • ½ cup ricotta cheese (part-skim, for creamy pockets)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is superior)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish and fresh notes)

Creative Swaps & Variations for Your Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup

This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup recipe is wonderfully flexible, perfect for adapting to your dietary needs or whatever fresh ingredients you have on hand. Hana’s creative spirit shines through in these healthy, anti-gaspillage alternatives that make every bowl uniquely yours, celebrating vibrant flavors and mindful eating. Explore new dimensions of this already delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup.

• Protein Power: Swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken, extra-lean ground beef, or even Italian sausage (turkey or pork). For a vegetarian version, brown crumbled tempeh, cooked lentils, or hearty chopped mushrooms with the aromatics.
• Pasta Perfection: Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber. Gluten-free lasagna sheets are also a fantastic option. If you’re out of lasagna, broken penne, rotini, or even large pasta shells work surprisingly well.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped zucchini, kale, or chopped carrots during the last hour of cooking. Roasting them slightly beforehand can add extra depth.
• Dairy Delights: For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based ricotta and Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy, umami flavor without the dairy. A dollop of cashew cream at the end provides luxurious creaminess.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky note, or a dash of balsamic vinegar at the end to brighten the tomatoes

If you enjoyed the adaptable nature of this dish, you might want to explore another twist on lasagna with our White Chicken Lasagna Soup. It offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining that comforting lasagna essence.

Equipment You’ll Need

Preparing this comforting Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup requires just a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smooth and enjoyable, allowing you to focus on creating a truly delicious meal with minimal fuss.

• 6-quart or larger slow cooker
• Large skillet or Dutch oven (for browning the turkey and aromatics)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup is a delightful process, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, layered experience. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying bowl of our Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Build the Flavor Base: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor for your Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned turkey and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time truly allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a robust base for your Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup.
5. Add the Lasagna Noodles: During the last 30-60 minutes of cooking (depending on your slow cooker and desired pasta tenderness), stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Ensure they are submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
6. Stir in Greens and Cheese: Once the noodles are tender, stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts. Then, gently fold in the ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This addition creates those iconic creamy pockets, much like traditional lasagna.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of extra ricotta (optional), a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately!

To kick off your cooking experience, consider trying our Classic One-Pot Lasagna Soup recipe. It simplifies the lasagna-making process into one pot, delivering rich flavors without the fuss.

Pro Tips for Success

Elevate your Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup from delicious to absolutely unforgettable with these expert tips. These small adjustments make a big difference, ensuring every batch of Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup is a triumph of flavor and texture.

• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the turkey and sautéing the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker develops a crucial layer of flavor. This caramelization process adds a richness you can’t achieve by just dumping everything in raw.
• Pasta Timing is Key: Adding the lasagna noodles too early can result in mushy pasta. Always add them in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, checking for doneness frequently. You want them tender, but still with a little bite (al dente).
• Ricotta Swirl, Not Stir: When adding ricotta, gently swirl or dollop it into the soup rather than stirring it completely. This creates delightful pockets of creamy cheese that burst with flavor in every spoonful, mimicking lasagna layers.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. A splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors if they seem a bit flat.
• Fresh Herbs Finish Strong: While dried herbs cook wonderfully, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a vibrant, fresh aroma and pop of color that truly elevates the dish.

Storage & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep and warding off food waste. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of this Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup for days to come with these simple tips.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight!
• Freezing: This soup freezes beautifully. For best results, freeze without the pasta if possible, and cook the pasta fresh when reheating. If freezing with pasta, ensure the pasta is al dente, as it can soften upon thawing and reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust consistency, as the noodles can absorb more liquid as the soup sits. Microwave reheating is also an option for quick servings.

The leftovers from this delicious soup can be easily stored and enjoyed later. If you’re looking for more ways to use up those nutritious ingredients, check out our Roasted Red Pepper Soup for another flavorful option.

What to Serve With This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with fresh, vibrant sides enhances the experience. Think light, crisp textures and complementary flavors that will beautifully round out your meal, embracing Hana’s love for colorful and wholesome combinations.

• Crisp Green Salad: A simple, vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette (lemon-herb or balsamic) offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
• Garlic Bread or Crostini: Perfect for dipping! Choose whole-grain options for an added healthy touch.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts brings extra nutrients and a lovely caramelized flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top of each serving adds a final burst of aromatic freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground turkey. You can substitute it with cooked brown or green lentils, crumbled plant-based ground, or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and zucchini.

Increase the vegetable broth for the right consistency. The rest of the recipe adapts beautifully to a plant-based approach, creating a truly delicious and wholesome vegetarian lasagna soup.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in my Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup?

The key to perfectly tender, not mushy, pasta in your Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup is timing. Add the broken lasagna noodles only during the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking. Different slow cookers cook at varying temperatures, so monitor them.

You want the noodles to be al dente, still firm to the bite, when you turn off the slow cooker. They will continue to soften slightly as the soup cools.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup! For optimal results, it’s best to freeze the soup base (broth, turkey, vegetables) without the pasta and dairy. When ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat it, and then add fresh pasta and ricotta/Parmesan in the last stage of cooking.

If you freeze the soup with pasta, ensure the noodles were cooked al dente, as they can become softer upon thawing and reheating. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of slow cooking, providing a comforting meal for busy households. These types of recipes often highlight convenience and depth of flavor, as seen in detailed cooking methods like those in soups.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup offers a heartwarming embrace in every bowl. It’s an effortless symphony of flavors, a truly vibrant and wholesome meal that brings comfort without the fuss. Enjoy this sustainable, delicious choice that nourishes your body and soul with rich taste and vibrant goodness.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

(Approximate values based on 8 servings)

Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup

This Slow Cooker Turkey Lasagna Soup brings together rich tomato flavors, lean ground turkey, tender lasagna noodles, and creamy ricotta, all simmered to perfection for a wholesome, hearty meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
3. Transfer the browned turkey and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken or vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
5. During the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
6. Once the noodles are tender, stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts. Then, gently fold in the ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra ricotta, remaining Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Browning the turkey and aromatics is crucial for flavor. Add lasagna noodles late in the cooking process to avoid mushiness. Swirl ricotta gently into the soup for creamy pockets.