Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m SO excited to welcome you to my little corner of the internet where every meal is a flavor adventure! Are you ready to turn a regular dinner into something truly special? Because that’s what we’re doing today with this Crockpot Lasagna Soup.
I remember the first time I made this Crockpot Lasagna Soup. It was a late-night kitchen experiment gone completely right! I was craving lasagna but didn’t want all the fuss. So, I thought, “Why not throw everything into the slow cooker?”
The anticipation was real, my friends! The aromas that filled my kitchen were incredible. One taste, and I knew I’d stumbled upon something amazing. That happy accident is now a family favorite, and I can’t wait to share it with you! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is where bold flavors meet cozy comfort food.
Let’s get cooking! Trust me, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup is about to become your new go-to weeknight winner.
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab everything during your normal shopping trip. I’m all about easy, delicious, and weeknight-friendly.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef: You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works great.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: These are the base of our amazing soup!
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds richness and depth.
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: For texture and extra tomato flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth: Low sodium is always a good choice so you can control the salt.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that’s a must!
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet and savory note.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Don’t overthink it – just snap them!
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy element.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that authentic lasagna flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: For topping and melty goodness!
No worries if you don’t have fresh parsley. I use dried parsley all the time in my Crockpot Lasagna Soup. It still adds a nice touch of flavor.
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup gets its amazing taste from the combination of herbs, the rich tomato base, and the creamy ricotta. Store any leftover ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for maximum freshness.
I love adding extra garlic powder to my Crockpot Lasagna Soup for that extra kick! It just amplifies the flavor, you know?
Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Crockpot Lasagna Soup – watch the magic happen! Let’s get cooking, fellow food lovers.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. You want it nice and crumbly.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible already!
- Combine in the crockpot: Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your crockpot.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Season it up: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Add the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the crockpot.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the noodles are tender. In my kitchen, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup usually takes about 7 hours on low.
- Stir in the ricotta: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in the ricotta cheese. Don’t worry if your Crockpot Lasagna Soup looks a little thick – that’s the ricotta doing its thing!
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the Crockpot Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. This is where it all comes together.
While your Crockpot Lasagna Soup is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! I often prep all my ingredients the night before. Then, in the morning, all I have to do is toss everything in the crockpot. It’s a total weeknight winner move!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your Crockpot Lasagna Soup. I once accidentally added a splash of red wine, and it was divine! Happy accidents are the best.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Crockpot Lasagna Soup hits the table with a side of crusty garlic bread! The perfect combo.
Here’s how I love to serve it up:
- Garlic bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is a must for dipping into the rich broth.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the soup.
- Fresh basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of flavor and color.
- Red pepper flakes: For those who like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is perfect.
- Extra cheese: Because you can never have too much cheese, right? Offer extra Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for topping.
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also great for potlucks, game nights, or any gathering where you want to impress your friends and family.
If you have any leftover Crockpot Lasagna Soup, you can easily transform it into a delicious pasta sauce. Just toss it with cooked pasta and you have a whole new meal!
I’ve even experimented with a spicy version, adding some diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce. The reactions were priceless!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is super forgiving and easy to make. If you can brown ground beef and chop an onion, you’re golden! The slow cooker does most of the work.
What if I mess up my Crockpot Lasagna Soup? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, it’s hard to mess this up! Even if you overcook the noodles a bit, it will still taste amazing. Just think of it as a rustic, hearty version of lasagna soup. My friend, this is comfort food; there’s no mistakes in comfort food.
How can I prep this Crockpot Lasagna Soup for busy weeknights?
I love prepping this the night before! Just brown the beef, chop the veggies, and store everything in separate containers in the fridge. In the morning, toss it all into the slow cooker. Weeknight dinner WIN!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Just skip the ground beef and add some extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For a vegetarian variation, check out Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup (Vegetarian) | foodiecrush.com.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can! Use a plant-based ground beef substitute, vegetable broth, and dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheese. For a vegan option, try Vegan Lasagna Soup (Stove-Top or Slow Cooker!) – Connoisseurus ….
Is this healthy Crockpot Lasagna Soup?
You can definitely make it healthier! Use lean ground beef or turkey, low-sodium broth, and load up on the veggies. For a healthy version, check out Healthy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup – Slender Kitchen.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or spinach. Just toss them in with the other ingredients. This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is so easy to modify. This reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, like my Crockpot White Chicken Chili.
CONCLUSION:
This Crockpot Lasagna Soup brings me so much joy because it’s a simple, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients and get creative in the kitchen. If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Spicy Black Bean Soup.
My Crockpot Lasagna Soup Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the herbs: The oregano and basil are key to that authentic lasagna flavor.
- Use good quality tomatoes: The better the tomatoes, the richer the flavor.
- Add a touch of sweetness: A teaspoon of sugar or honey can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Here are some delicious Crockpot Lasagna Soup variations I’ve tested:
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Perfect for game nights!
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for extra richness. Great for a cozy night in.
- Veggie-loaded: Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. Ideal for a healthy and hearty meal. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup.
Trust your taste buds, fellow food lovers, and get creative with this Crockpot Lasagna Soup recipe! There are so many ways to make it your own.
I’m so excited for you to try this Crockpot Lasagna Soup and experience the delicious magic for yourself! Let me know what you think, and share your own flavor adventures in the comments below. Happy cooking! And remember to experiment with bold flavors.
Crockpot Lasagna Soup
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of lasagna in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. This Crockpot Lasagna Soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Transfer the ground beef to a slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the broken lasagna noodles.
- Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and some fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra cheesy flavor, stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese at the end of the cooking time.