Craving all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering? This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is your answer! It’s a hearty, delicious, and incredibly easy meal that delivers the classic lasagna taste in a convenient and satisfying soup form, perfect for busy weeknights.
What is Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a simplified take on traditional lasagna, capturing all its rich, savory flavors in a comforting soup. It eliminates the need for layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, instead combining these elements in a slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.
This soup features Italian sausage (or ground beef), a flavorful tomato-based broth, ricotta cheese (or a creamy alternative), and broken lasagna noodles, all simmered together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a taste of lasagna without the effort. The ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Ready for a taste of lasagna in soup form? Give this Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe a try and experience the ease and deliciousness for yourself!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or ground beef): Adds savory flavor and meaty texture. Remove from casing if in links.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides aromatic base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances the aromatic profile.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the tomato sauce.
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds thickness and depth of tomato flavor.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds texture and additional tomato flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: Provides the liquid base and savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes to the classic Italian seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds another layer of Italian herb flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice.
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces: Provides the “lasagna” element.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese), for topping: Adds creamy richness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping: Adds salty, umami flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup simplifies the traditional lasagna process. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and deeply satisfying, delivering all the flavors in a warm, comforting bowl. The slow cooker does the work, melding the ingredients into a rich and flavorful soup. Plus, it takes only about 15 minutes to prep!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage or ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked meat and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot
- Transfer the browned meat, onion, and garlic mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Tomato Mixture
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Broth and Seasonings
- Pour in the beef broth. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Cook on Low
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 7: Add Noodles
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
Step 8: Serve
- Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
The highlight of this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is its incredibly convenient approach to a classic dish. You get all the satisfying flavors of lasagna – the savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese – without the time-consuming layering process. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Making this soup at home will save you money. Ordering lasagna soup from a restaurant can be quite expensive, costing much more than the price of the ingredients. The best part about this soup is the flavorful toppings. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, salty Parmesan, and fresh basil adds a delightful burst of flavor and texture that elevates the entire dish.
If you’re looking for another easy soup recipe, you may also enjoy my Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s another family-friendly option that offers a comforting and flavorful experience.
Ready to ditch the layering and embrace delicious simplicity? Give this Crockpot Lasagna Soup a try and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal that’s ready with minimal effort!
What to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup With:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Bread: Enhances the Italian flavors of the soup.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a fresh and light contrast.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Creates a comforting and hearty meal.
- Caesar Salad: Provides a creamy and tangy complement to the rich soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- Meat Variation: Feel free to use ground turkey or Italian chicken sausage instead of Italian pork sausage.
- Noodle Timing: Add the lasagna noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Cheese Swap: If you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level of the soup.
- Herb Freshness: Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can be used in place of dried herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Tomato Paste: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat mixture when browning for a richer tomato flavor.
5 Facts about Crockpot Lasagna Soup:
- It’s a one-pot meal, minimizing cleanup effort.
- This soup is highly customizable; you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as vegetables or cooked meats.
- Lasagna soup is a popular dish that has been adapted into various regional variations in the US.
- It’s a great make-ahead meal, as the flavors meld together even more over time.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little broth or water to thin it out.
- Freezing: Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Be aware that the noodles may become slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Final Thoughts:
Crockpot Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a bowl! Its simplicity, combined with the rich flavors of lasagna, makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Ditch the layering and let your slow cooker work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying soup that your whole family will love. Enjoy the flavors of Italy without the fuss!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Lasagna Soup FAQs:
Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: I don’t recommend it, as they tend to become mushy in the slow cooker. Regular lasagna noodles that are broken into pieces work best.
Q: Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
A: Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the aromatics as directed, then add the remaining ingredients (except the noodles) to a large pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 30 minutes. Add the noodles during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Q: My soup is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add more beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Q: Can I add cheese directly into the soup instead of just on top of each serving?
A: Yes, you can stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the soup the last 15 minute of cooking time to create a more cheesy base.
Happy cooking!