Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 420
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Why Make This Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy, soup format. This recipe is a wonderful alternative for busy families, as it allows you to enjoy the rich and savory taste of lasagna without all the layering and baking. With tender pasta pieces, flavorful meat, and creamy cheese, each bowl is a delightful combination of taste and texture that warms the heart. Plus, it’s a one-pot dish, making clean-up a breeze!
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Creating this delicious lasagna soup in your crockpot is simple and stress-free. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions are tender. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the soup lighter and prevent greasiness.
Step 2: Mixing
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your crockpot. Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. This blend of ingredients will create a rich base for your soup.
Step 3: Cooking
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer cook time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Your kitchen will fill with the inviting aroma of Italian herbs and simmering tomatoes!
Step 4: Finishing
About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring everything is well mixed. Continue cooking until the noodles become tender. Just before serving, sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Serve this delightful lasagna soup hot, paired with crusty bread or a fresh side salad to complete the meal. The combination of gooey cheese, savory meat, and flavorful broth will have everyone coming back for seconds. Consider serving with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick!
How to Store Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Allow the soup to cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with lentils or mushrooms. You can also add additional veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of beef broth or include extra ricotta cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, like provolone or Parmesan, to customize the flavor.
- To avoid mushy noodles, add them closer to serving time, as detailed in the directions.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Increase the cheese quantity and try mixing in different cheeses to enrich the flavors.
- Loaded Veggie Lasagna Soup: Incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the vegetable content and flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just break them into pieces and add them at the same time as you would traditional lasagna noodles.
2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
3. Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free pasta and make sure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
4. Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or crushed red pepper to enhance the flavors to your liking.
5. How can I thicken the soup if it is too watery?
You can thicken the soup by adding a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) and letting it simmer for a bit, or simply using less broth when you start.
Conclusion
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is not only straightforward to prepare, but it also delivers comforting, homemade flavors that the whole family will love. With its hearty ingredients and minimal effort, it’s a perfect weekday dinner or a gathering favorite. Grab your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth and satisfaction. Happy cooking!
Print
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A cozy one-pot dish that combines all the rich flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting soup format, perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot and stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese. Continue cooking until noodles are tender.
- Before serving, sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
