This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm, cozy dish that captures all the yummy flavors of lasagna in a comforting soup. It’s loaded with pasta, cheese, and savory meat!
Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal without much effort. Who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 😄
I love serving this soup with some crusty bread for a complete meal. It warms you up and makes you feel right at home! Enjoy easy cooking with big flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: You can choose either ground beef or Italian sausage for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works as well. I often go for Italian sausage to bring extra flavor!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness to the soup. If you don’t have one, shallots or even a few green onions can substitute nicely. In a rush? Just use onion powder—about a teaspoon—to still get that oniony flavor.
Beef Broth: Beef broth is key for depth of flavor. If you like, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Homemade broth is great if you have some on hand—it really enhances the dish!
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles are what I use, but feel free to swap them out for whole wheat or gluten-free noodles depending on your needs. Just remember to break them into smaller pieces for easier cooking!
Cheeses: I love the combo of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. If you’re dairy-free, consider using cashew cheese or a vegan ricotta alternative. Nutritional yeast can provide that cheesy flavor if you miss it!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in My Soup?
The secret to amazing flavor lies in the layering of ingredients and careful cooking! Here’s how to do it:
- Browning the Meat: Start by cooking the meat with the onions and garlic until everything is browned. This process adds deep flavors to your soup.
- Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Adding Italian seasoning and basil early while cooking helps build a solid base for your soup.
- Add Noodles at the Right Time: To keep your noodles from getting mushy, add them about 30 minutes before serving. They will soak up flavors and cook perfectly.
- Cheese at the End: Stir in ricotta before serving to keep it creamy. Top each bowl with mozzarella and Parmesan for that melty, cheesy goodness.
Following these tips will take your lasagna soup to the next level, creating warmth and comfort in each bowl! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960 ml) beef broth
- 1 (28 oz/800g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225g) lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. After the soup finishes cooking, you’ll need an additional 30 minutes for the noodles to soften in the soup. You’ll have a delicious meal ready with little effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat for a lighter dish!
2. Load the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture into your crockpot. Add in the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), and salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
3. Slow Cook for Flavors to Develop:
Now it’s time to let the crockpot do its magic! Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This cooking time allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy your soup, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the crockpot. Stir them in well, cover, and continue cooking on high until the noodles are tender, which should take about 25-30 minutes.
5. Stir in the Ricotta:
Before serving, add the ricotta cheese into the soup and stir it until it is well combined. This will give your soup that creamy, delicious touch!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, fresh basil or parsley makes a lovely garnish!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your warm and cheesy crockpot lasagna soup hot, ideally with some crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that it might be a bit lighter in flavor, so you may want to increase the seasoning slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No problem! You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Both are excellent alternatives and will still give your soup a fantastic taste!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance! Just follow all the steps and store the soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed to get the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in individual portions. Just remember to allow it to cool before freezing for the best texture!
