Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Imagine all the delicious layers of traditional lasagna in the form of a rich, warming soup that’s perfect for easy family dinners. Crockpot Lasagna Soup combines ground meat, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and soft lasagna noodles, topped with a blend of creamy, melted cheeses. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and infuse the soup, making it incredibly flavorful and comforting. With little prep and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Choosing Quality Ingredients

To make your Crockpot Lasagna Soup taste like the best homemade lasagna, focus on fresh, quality ingredients:

• Meat: Using high-quality ground beef or Italian sausage is key to rich, hearty flavor. A combination of both adds depth and a bit of spice.
• Tomatoes: Go for good-quality canned tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes give the soup a slightly chunky texture, while tomato sauce makes it smoother.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella will melt beautifully and provide authentic Italian flavor. Ricotta adds a creamy texture.

Preparation Tips

1. Brown the Meat: To add a depth of flavor, brown the ground beef or sausage in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This step caramelizes the meat, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
2. Chop Vegetables Ahead: Dice the onions, garlic, and bell pepper beforehand to make the prep easier.
3. Break the Noodles into Small Pieces: Lasagna noodles can be broken by hand into bite-sized pieces, making it easier to eat and preventing the soup from becoming overly thick.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned.
3. Transfer the browned meat to the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth

1. To the crockpot, add the diced onions, minced garlic, and bell pepper.
2. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
3. Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. If you enjoy a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The flavors will meld together, and the soup base will thicken slightly.

Adding Pasta and Cheese

Step 4: Add Lasagna Noodles

1. About 30-40 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot.
2. Stir to ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the soup. Cook until they are tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be used as a topping for each bowl of soup.

Serving Suggestions

1. Dish Up: Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a good amount of noodles, broth, and meat.
2. Top with Cheese: Add a dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl, allowing it to melt slightly.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with toasted garlic bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the warm, cheesy flavors of the soup.
• Red Wine: Pairing with a glass of red wine enhances the meal’s Italian-inspired flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
   • Yes, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead. Add mushrooms or chickpeas for added texture and protein.
2. Can I Use Different Noodles?
   • You can substitute with smaller pasta shapes like penne or rotini, but lasagna noodles add an authentic lasagna feel.
3. What Other Cheeses Can I Use?
   • Try adding shredded provolone or Asiago for an extra cheesy flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
4. Will the Noodles Get Mushy?
   • If you’re planning to save leftovers, cook and store the noodles separately. Add them to individual servings when reheating.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines all the best flavors of classic lasagna in a warming, hearty soup. The crockpot simplifies the cooking process, allowing you to set it and forget it while the flavors develop throughout the day. Perfect for cozy nights in, this soup will quickly become a family favorite with its cheesy, savory goodness and rich Italian flair. Serve with garlic bread and a crisp side salad, and you have an unforgettable, complete meal. Enjoy!

Yield: 6

Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe

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Imagine all the delicious layers of traditional lasagna in the form of a rich, warming soup that’s perfect for easy family dinners. Crockpot Lasagna Soup combines ground meat, tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and soft lasagna noodles, topped with a blend of creamy, melted cheeses. Slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and infuse the soup, making it incredibly flavorful and comforting. With little prep and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat (Optional):
   In a skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then transfer the meat to the crockpot.
   
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
   To the crockpot, add the diced onion, garlic, broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
   
3. Cook the Soup:
   Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
   
4. Add the Noodles:
   About 30 minutes before serving, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir well, cover, and let cook until the noodles are tender.
   
5. Prepare the Cheesy Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix together the mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses.
   
6. Serve:
   Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

Adjust Consistency: For a thicker soup, reduce the broth by half a cup; for a thinner consistency, add more broth as needed.

Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.