Lasagna is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods, but let’s be honest – it can be a bit of a labor of love to make. That’s why I’m so excited to share my go-to recipe for Lasagna Soup Crockpot. It has all the classic flavors of lasagna, but with a fraction of the effort!
I remember the first time I made this Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something hearty and delicious. I had just come across the recipe and was feeling inspired. As I started gathering the ingredients, the aroma of the simmering tomatoes, Italian herbs, and ground beef filled my kitchen. I couldn’t wait to dive in!
When the Lasagna Soup Crockpot was finally ready, I ladled it into big bowls and topped it with a generous helping of gooey mozzarella cheese. The first spoonful was absolute heaven – the perfect balance of rich, tomatoey broth, tender noodles, and all the flavors of my favorite lasagna. I knew right then and there that this recipe was going to become a regular in my dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why This Lasagna Soup Crockpot Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Lasagna Soup Crockpot
The key to this Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe is in the slow cooking process. By letting all the flavors meld together in the crockpot over several hours, you end up with a soup that’s so thick, rich, and lasagna-like, you won’t believe it didn’t take all day to prepare. The long, slow cooking also helps tenderize the noodles, so you get that perfect lasagna texture without having to painstakingly layer everything.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Ground beef: The foundation of the soup, providing heartiness and depth of flavor.
– Italian sausage: A blend of pork and spices that adds incredible savory notes.
– Onion and garlic: The aromatic base that gives the soup its signature Italian flavor.
– Diced tomatoes: The backbone of the broth, along with tomato paste.
– Beef broth: Adds body and richness to the soup.
– Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they provide the signature lasagna texture.
– Ricotta cheese: Stirred in at the end, it creates a creamy, cheesy finish.
– Shredded mozzarella: The perfect melty topping to complete the lasagna experience.
Step-by-Step Lasagna Soup Crockpot Instructions
Preparing Your Lasagna Soup Crockpot
This Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe is so easy to put together, and it cooks completely hands-off in the slow cooker. In just about 4 hours, you’ll have a comforting, delicious soup that’ll have your whole family asking for seconds. The only equipment you’ll need is a large crockpot and a few basic kitchen tools.
1- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2- Transfer the cooked meat to your crockpot, then add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
3- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
4- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the crockpot. The noodles will soften as the soup cooks.
5- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the noodles are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6- Just before serving, stir in the ricotta cheese. Ladle the Lasagna Soup Crockpot into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Pro Tips for Success
– For an extra cheesy twist, stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese along with the ricotta.
– If you like your soup a bit thicker, feel free to add an extra tablespoon or two of tomato paste.
– Be careful not to overcook the noodles – you want them tender, but not falling apart.
– Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Serving and Storing Your Lasagna Soup Crockpot
Perfect Pairings for Lasagna Soup Crockpot
This Lasagna Soup Crockpot is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and some crusty garlic bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, you could serve it alongside a simple Italian chopped salad or a Caesar salad. And of course, a glass of red wine or an ice-cold beer is the perfect accompaniment to this cozy, comforting soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Lasagna Soup Crockpot is the perfect make-ahead meal. The flavors only improve after a day or two in the fridge, so feel free to double the recipe and enjoy it all week long. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, just pop it back in the crockpot on low for an hour or two, or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Lasagna Soup Crockpot
Creative Lasagna Soup Crockpot Variations
If you want to switch things up, there are so many ways to put your own spin on this Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe. Try using Italian turkey sausage instead of pork, or swap in ground chicken or turkey for the beef. You could also play around with different cheeses, like provolone or Parmesan. And for a veggie-packed version, try adding diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Making Lasagna Soup Crockpot Diet-Friendly
To make this Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles. For a low-carb version, you can skip the noodles altogether and serve the soup over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. And for a dairy-free option, leave out the ricotta and mozzarella cheese, or use your favorite non-dairy alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe. The flavor profile will be a bit lighter, but it’ll still be delicious.
Q: How long does the Lasagna Soup Crockpot need to cook?
A: This soup is best cooked on low for 4-6 hours in the crockpot. This allows the flavors to meld and the noodles to become perfectly tender.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of the Lasagna Soup Crockpot?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: Do I need to pre-cook the lasagna noodles before adding them to the crockpot?
A: Nope! The noodles will cook right in the soup as it simmers. Just be sure to break them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the crockpot.
Q: What can I do if the Lasagna Soup Crockpot turns out too thin?
A: If you find the soup is a bit too thin for your liking, you can easily thicken it up. Just mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with some cold water, then stir it into the hot soup. Let it simmer for a few minutes and it’ll reach the perfect consistency.
Lasagna Soup Crockpot
- Total Time: 375
- Yield: 8
Description
This Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. Packed with ground beef, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and tender lasagna noodles, this soup is a cozy and comforting meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
– 4 cups beef broth
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. – Transfer the cooked meat to a crockpot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
3. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. – During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
5. – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
– For extra cheesy lasagna soup, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese at the end.
– Feel free to customize the meat by using all ground beef or all Italian sausage.
– Garnish with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this easy, comforting Lasagna Soup Crockpot recipe! It’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly weather, and with the hands-off crockpot cooking, it couldn’t be simpler. Let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Enjoy!
