This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm, comforting dish that brings all the flavors of lasagna into a tasty soup form! It’s filled with pasta, cheese, and tasty tomato sauce.
Who knew you could enjoy lasagna without all that layering? I love just tossing everything in the crockpot and letting it do the work. It’s like magic in a pot! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is the heart of the soup! I like using Italian sausage for extra flavor. If you’re avoiding meat, you can replace it with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian option!
Broth: You can use beef broth for a richer taste or chicken broth for a lighter soup. If you want it vegetarian, vegetable broth works too!
Lasagna Noodles: Oven-ready noodles make this easy-peasy. If you can’t find them, regular lasagna noodles work—just cook them separately before adding.
Cheeses: Ricotta adds creaminess, and mozzarella provides that gooey goodness. For a twist, try cottage cheese or goat cheese. You can also mix in some Parmesan for more flavor!
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Soup?
The key to tasty lasagna soup is in the simmering time! Letting it cook low and slow allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to maximize deliciousness:
- Brown the meat well; this adds depth. Drain fat when done.
- Add garlic into the skillet after browning the meat to avoid burning it.
- Mix in the herbs and broth, then stir to blend flavors.
- Don’t rush the cooking—set your crockpot for the full time. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes!
- Stir in cheeses just before serving for that creamy finish.
With these tips, your soup will be bursting with flavor, perfect for serving up with that garlic bread!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles and Cheese:
- 8 ounces oven-ready lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and then you can let the crockpot work its magic for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage along with the chopped onion. Make sure it’s fully cooked! Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the cooked meat and onion mixture. Cook it for about a minute until you can smell that lovely garlic aroma. This step amps up the flavor!
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked mixture to your crockpot. Now, pour in the beef or chicken broth along with the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good stirring to mix everything well.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This is where the flavors really meld together!
5. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the broken lasagna noodles to the crockpot. Stir well and let it cook until the noodles are tender.
6. Mix in the Cheeses:
Just before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella. This creates a deliciously creamy texture!
7. Serve It Up:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. It’s going to look amazing!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, add some fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful finish. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish with a side of garlic bread!
Your family will love this cozy lasagna soup, and it’ll surely warm up any day!
FAQs for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Just follow the same browning and cooking instructions, and you’ll have a delicious meal.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
What If I Can’t Find Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can use regular lasagna noodles. Just cook them according to the package directions first, then break them into pieces and stir them into the crockpot at the end of the cooking time.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the other ingredients for added nutrients and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if adding more vegetables!
