This Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Loaded with pasta, ground meat, and rich tomato sauce, it brings all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss.
Trust me, the smell as it cooks will make your house feel cozy. I love tossing in some cheese at the end for extra yum! Perfect for chilly nights or busy days.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This is the base of your flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or mushrooms instead.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip it or use shallots for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor. If you don’t have fresh, use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute.
Crushed Tomatoes: Essential for that rich tomato base, you can blend whole canned tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture. Look for low-sodium options if you want to control your salt intake.
Beef Broth: This enhances the soup’s richness. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish or chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand.
Lasagna Noodles: You can replace traditional noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the package for cooking instructions!
How Do You Cook the Perfect Lasagna Noodles in Soup?
Adding lasagna noodles at the end is key to maintaining their texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Break the noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding to the soup. This helps them cook evenly.
- Stir the noodles into the soup about 30 minutes before serving. This gives them time to soften without getting mushy.
- Keep the slow cooker covered to retain heat and moisture while the noodles cook.
This way, you’ll have perfectly tender noodles in your delicious lasagna soup without any overcooking worries!
Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your crockpot. Just set it and let it do its thing! Get ready for a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or sausage) along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep it delicious and light!
2. Prepare the Soup Base:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to your crockpot. Add in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop, so choose your timing based on your day’s schedule!
4. Add the Noodles:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot. Stir gently to incorporate the noodles, cover, and continue to cook until they’re tender.
5. Serve with Cheese:
Once everything is cooked, serve the soup in bowls. Add a big spoonful of ricotta cheese on top of each serving, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This adds that creamy and cheesy goodness we all love.
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a lovely touch and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty lasagna soup!
This simple recipe transforms traditional lasagna into a comforting soup, perfect for any day of the week! Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Can I Use Whole Lasagna Noodles Instead of Broken Pieces?
Yes, you can use whole lasagna noodles! Just break them into smaller sections yourself, as this will help them cook evenly in the soup. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they become tender by the time you’re ready to serve.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef or sausage with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative like tempeh or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to bring back its original consistency.
Can I Freeze This Lasagna Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove.
These FAQs should help you navigate any adjustments or storage questions you might have while making this delicious lasagna soup! Enjoy!
